From a series of statements and statistics presented by siblings Yvan and Melania Oleksiuk-Baker at the November 18 Famine Commemoration in Toronto, it became apparent that sufficient documentation exists to support the notion that Ukraines Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 belongs among the most tragic pages of human history. Stalin himself declared that the process of forced collectivization of farms in the USSR resulted in the loss of 10 million people. However, as keynote speaker Prof Roman Serbyn of the University of Quebec pointed out, though the diaspora has expended much energy in documenting and marking the Famine-Genocide, independent Ukraine has done little besides token gestures to fittingly mark its own worst tragedy. Instead, he finds that official Ukraine is currently more interested in stressing the March 9 holiday of victory over fascism.

Also disturbing was the news from City of Toronto councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby, (Ward 4, Etobicoke Centre), that Kyiv has been removed from the recently amalgamated citys list of twins. Citing a report from Torontos International Economic Alliance, councillor Luby bemoaned this fact, claiming that after her visit to the Ukrainian capital this summer, and a visit to Toronto from a Kyiv delegation earlier this year (see The New Pathway, March 3, 2001, page 8, Kyiv Delegates Pitch Business, Arts To Toronto), there are things that Toronto can learn from Kyiv, and many things that Kyiv can benefit from Toronto. The Ukrainian Canadian councillor said she intends to address the omission of Kyiv from Torontos list of twinned cities, and that she would want us to remain strong and to work together as a community.

Mary Szkambara, president of Torontos Ukrainian Canadian Congress branch, began her remarks wih the declaration if our history is forgotten, our nation will be destroyed, arguing that a Famine museum and monument are needed to prevent history repeating itself. She proceeded to thank the City of Toronto for donating a plot of land near Lakeshore Blvd, the future site of a Famine monument to be erected for the 70th anniversary of the Famine in 2003. According to the UCC office, councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski (Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park) was instrumental in securing this gift from the City of Toronto. Eugene Yakovitch, Chair of the Famine-Genocide Committee told the New Pathway [this is] a prime parcel of park land.

Offering other positive news, Mrs Szkambara informed the audience that on November 22, Gerard Kennedy, MP for Parkdale-High Park, would be reading a proclamation in the provincial legislature regarding Ukraines Famine- Genocide.

Donations to the UCC’s Toronto Famine Monument project may be mailed to UCC Toronto, 295 College Street, Toronto ON, M5T 1S2. Please indicate “Famine Monument” on the cheque.