Government of Canada Invests in Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta

Edmonton – The Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA) received a boost toward its redevelopment efforts thanks to an investment of $75,000 from the Government of Canada.

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, announced the funding on February 1, 2008.

“The redevelopment of the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta will have a positive impact on the economic revitalization of Edmonton’s downtown,” said Minister Ambrose. “This investment of $75,000 will contribute to the efforts of the museum to fulfill its vision of becoming a world-class attraction and a key part of Edmonton’s growth and prosperity.”

The redevelopment of UCAMA is a key initiative within the City of Edmonton’s downtown economic revitalization strategy. The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will allow UCAMA to further develop its strategic business plan in order to position its redevelopment efforts within the downtown economic revitalization strategy. UCAMA will also continue its efforts to secure funding required to develop Downtown Edmonton’s historic Lodge Hotel into an accessible new facility for the museum and its collections.

“We recognize the important role the Ukrainian community has played in the growth and development of our nation,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry. “Prominent Ukrainian Canadians, such as former Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn and Supreme Court Judge John Sopinka, understood the vital need to champion diversity and multiculturalism, which changed the fabric of the country forever.”

Early Ukrainian immigration to Canada resulted in an arch of settlements in the parkland belt of the Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Today, Ukrainian culture is showcased and celebrated throughout Western Canadian communities, from Winnipeg through to the Peace River Country, at numerous festivals and cultural events.

“The support from Western Economic Diversification Canada represents an important step towards our goal of creating a museum that strengthens the cultural and economic vibrancy of Edmonton’s downtown area,” said Michelle Tracy, President of the UCAMA. “This facility will become a lasting legacy that will allow Albertans and visitors alike to celebrate and learn more about Ukrainian culture and its people.”

Founded in 1972, the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA) is a not-for-profit association devoted to the preservation of Ukrainian-Canadian history and culture in Alberta. The Museum is one of the oldest institutional members of the Alberta Museums Association.