120th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada Runs Until May 2012

(UCC) On a Victoria Day enveloped by typically and historically unpredictable Alberta weather, a group of determined, undeterred enthusiasts gathered to officially mark two historic events.

As the 2011 Summer Season officially got underway May 23 at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (UCHV), a provincial Historic Site just east of Edmonton, a seemingly unremarkable, yet historically significant addition was made to the permanent interpretive display of the Village.  This cooperative project between the Alberta-Ukraine Genealogical Society and the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association unveiled a replica homestead marker, identical to those planted by the very first Ukrainian settlers in Alberta, some 120 years ago.

Guests at the ceremony included St. Albert MLA Ken Allred.  In attendance also were descendants of Iwan Pylypow, Nykola Tychkowsky and Anton Paish, -- the original immigrants from Nebyliv, Galicia, Austro-Hungary, located today in Western Ukraine.  These were the first such settlers to the unbroken lands of East Central Alberta, who endured untold hardships and seemingly insurmountable challenges to put down roots and build lives on the untamed Canadian Prairies.  As part of the ceremony, the replica marker was pounded into its permanent place by descendants, community and professional representatives.  A solemn prayer service in memory of all pioneer settlers of East-Central Alberta was celebrated by Reverend Fathers of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada.

The gathering, hosted by Radomir Bilash, Chief Historian of the UCHV, also served as the official launch of a full year’s celebrations marking the 120^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, under the umbrella of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.  Events from banquets to festivals to academic conferences will be held across the country between now and May of 2012.  These will be listed and archived at the UCC website, www.ucc.ca, and will also include the incorporation of social media to get the word out and keep the message current.

In addition, the official 120^th Anniversary logo was unveiled, as the culmination of a country-wide call for proposals that saw upwards of 30 different submissions made by inspired artists, several of whom were from beyond the Ukrainian-Canadian community.  The winning submission is by Toronto-based artist Oleh Lesiuk, and will be immediately made available for general use by the community as it organizes and realizes anniversary events and projects.

“Let’s mark this milestone with highly-charged enthusiasm and unbridled creativity,” declared Roman Brytan, Chair of the National 120^th Anniversary Commemorative Committee.  “Driven by our official Jubilee Theme Kanada-Ukraina 120: Groundbreakers – Nation-Builders – Trailblazers.”, continued Brytan, “this is the year for highlighting our individual accomplishments, wondering at our infinite community potential and driving towards making this Ukrainian-Canadian milestone one in which all Canadians can take pride and claim as part of our shared, national history.”

PHOTOS

1 – Historical Pioneer Train passengers arrive at Toronto’s Union Station

2 – Greeted with Ukrainian traditional “Bread and Salt” by Barvinok Dance Ensemble

3 – Serenaded in song from London, Ont.; words and sung by Steve Andrusiak, music and accordion accompaniment by Ihor Zhylyak. Standing far right, Daria Hryckiw, President, UCC London Branch

4 – Performers at Toronto stop-over concert event at King’s Garden – Golden Lion Restaurant