UNF 80^th Anniversary Celebrations Begin

By John Pidkowich

Toronto - On Tuesday, July 17^th, 2012, the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada kicked off its 80^th Anniversary to begin a year-long list of events across Canada “celebrating 80 years of service to our community” and mark the organization’s founding in Edmonton on July 17, 1932.  As part of the launch of national celebrations, UNF Edmonton Branch hosted a BBQ on Saturday afternoon, July 21, 2012, and will also host the UNF and Affiliated Organizations National Convention to be held November 9-11, 2012.

UNF National President Taras Pidzamecky stated that “this organization was created to unite Ukrainian Canadians, irrespective of Christian denomination, around the objectives of preserving Ukrainian language and culture in Canada, promoting good citizenship, and supporting the establishment of an independent Ukrainian state.”  

 The forerunners of the UNF were the Ukrainian War Veterans’ Association (est. 1928) and the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (est. 1930), which became UNF affiliated organizations together with the Ukrainian National Youth Federation of Canada (est. 1934).

The UNF and its members have made important contributions to the community in Canada for over eight decades. Notable among them are pioneering the development of Ukrainian dance, choral, and drama play ensembles across Canada through its branches, the establishment of Oseredok – Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre in Winnipeg; combating the spread of Communism in Canada prior to World War II; participation of its members in the Canadian war effort during WWII; development of Ukrainian schools – Ridna Shkola, cultural educational and youth leadership courses, and promotion of the vision of Canada as a multicultural nation in the 1960s as embodied in the life work of leading UNF member, Senator Paul Yuzyk.

The UNF Toronto Branch hosted the Open House event with the theme “A Night at the Kyiv Pavilion” which featured standing displays about the affiliated organizations, artistic ensembles, and sports groups. Also, an attractive anniversary slide show Tribute to 80 Years of the UNF was presented, created by UNF summer students William Pidzamecky and Michael Kit, which outlined the rich history of the UNF and its contribution to the development of a multicultural Canada.

Reminiscent of the former Metro International Caravan Kyiv Pavilion, a capacity crowd in the Trident Banquet Hall and overflow into the Foyer and beyond first enjoyed traditional Ukrainian cuisine, bar refreshments, and a cabaret-style show by members of the Arkan Dance Company. Then full attention was directed up to the stage for an event official opening and concert programme, under the masterful introductions by venerable MC Zenon Chwaluk.

Among special guests recognized, traditionally found in a Caravan show, were: Andrew Gregorovich, son of the founding UNF President Alexander Gregorovich; Alma Bilak, daughter of long-serving UNF President Wolodymyr Kossar; and former National Presidents Jaroslaw Bilak, Mary Pidkowich, and Michael Kalimin present at the event.

The formal programme included anniversary opening remarks delivered by UNF of Canada President Taras Pidzamecky. Greetings were given by MP Ted Opitz (Etobicoke Centre) and local MP Bernard Trottier (Etobicoke-Lakeshore), who together presented greetings from Citizen, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada. Other greetings were received from Minister of Education Laurel Broten, MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore on behalf of the Legislature of Ontario, Mayor Rob Ford and Members of Toronto City Council, and from Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Greetings from Mykola Yakovyna, (Acting) Head of Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, Kyiv were read by Daria Diakowsky, UNF Canada Secretary.

In the spirit of the award-winning Kyiv Pavilion shows, the receptive audience was entertained by a variety of strong and talented performances given by the female vocal trio “Chervoni Maky”, the UNF Toronto Boyan Choir under the direction of Natalya Fuchylo with piano accompaniment by Ron Cahute, and the Canadian Bandurist Capella with Musical Director Victor Mishalow. To the further delight of the audience, the Arkan Dancers were called back on stage to offer rousing finishing steps to the concert programme.

“A Night at the Kyiv Pavilion” came to a close with remarks by UNF Toronto President Slawko Borys and his invitation to everyone to top off the evening with a “special treat”. The celebration finale was the presentation of the UNF 80^th Anniversary Cake, accompanied en masse by an enthusiastic rendition of Mnohaya lita. Everyone was offered a piece of cake which was enjoyed informally over conversation while relaxing friends.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a watercolour painting by Edmonton artist Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn, entitled “Celebrating Our Culture”.  This work was especially commissioned by the UNF of Canada on the occasion of its 80^th anniversary. The art piece’s theme and composition is a reflection of the ties between the ancestral and new homeland that inspired the Federation’s founders and their work.

Arts and culture were integral to the UNF and its role in building a multicultural Canada. The bandura and the violin, embroidered costumes and the branch of kalyna (high bush cranberry) are among the elements in this artwork that represent the many artistic groups founded by the UNF. The musical scores for O Canada and a traditional song longing for Ukraine’s liberty reflect the civic engagement of UNF members in embracing the freedoms and democracy available to them as citizens of Canada, and in working to bring those values to life in their ancestral land.

Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn is an accomplished artist who has had the opportunity to create projects around the world.  She particularly enjoys painting images from her Ukrainian cultural heritage. Her unique depiction of Ukrainian dance, musical instruments and typical Ukrainian imagery recreates fond memories of rich cultural traditions.

The lithographs prints are available for purchase from a limited edition run of 300. Greeting cards are also for sale. To order, email info@unfcanada.com or call 416-925-2770.   (Written with UNF press releases)

Photo credit: Arnold Caylakyan

PHOTOS

1 - L. to R.: Slawko Borys, MP Bernard Trottier, Daria Diakowsky, MP Ted Opitz, Taras Pidzamecky – with Canada's Certificate of Recognition for UNF 80th Anniversary

2 - Canadian Bandurist Capella

3 - Members of Arkan Dance Company