At the recent annual meeting to elect a new Board of Directors for The New Pathway, the issue that raised the most controversy and debate was the proposal to increase the English content of the paper so as to attract new readers and subscribers. On the one hand, a significant segment of the older readership of the paper is strongly opposed to any English content on the basis that such efforts erode an already weakened and diluted Ukrainian cultural identity and presence in Canada. On the other hand, it is quite clear, that if the paper is to reverse a steady and significant decline in its readership and subscriber base, then it must reach out to that vast majority of second, third, and even fourth generation of Ukrainian-Canadians whose facility in the language is either weak or non existent. Such was the motivation and reasoning of a change oriented block of shareholders who ultimately garnered a majority position the newly elected Board of Directors.

The issue of language can and does raise strong emotional responses, and has all to often served as a dividing influence within our community. Yet what is interesting and even paradoxical is that the opposing sides in this debate are both ideologically driven by the same end goal – namely, the preservation and strenghtening of Ukrainian culture, identity and influence within Canada. This is a point worth repeating and examining in some detail, as it is crucial to the continued existence of a Ukrainian community in this country.

First, let us ask the most obvious and simple question implicit in the issue – can one truly be Ukrainian without being able to write or speak Ukrainian? I would propose that the answer is a strong YES and would offer two telling examples as proof. The first is the Jewish people. Some of the most influential, powerful, and admired members of the Jewish community worldwide speak neither Hebrew nor Yiddish, yet none would dare assert that they were not true «Jews». When the need arises, they are united in their support of their nation state, regardless of where they live or which language they speak. This unity gives them strength. In a similar vein, only a small minority of the Irish population throughout the world speaks native Gaelic, yet their sense of identity, culture and unity is no less diminished as a result. By the same token, what is most important in being Ukrainian, is not so much what language I speak, but the fact that I feel and believe that I am Ukrainian and that that aspect of my identity is of significant value to me.

It is no secret that the Ukrainian community in Canada is one much divided by politics, religion, generational differences, and unfortunately, language as well. These divisions undermine much of the political clout and influence that we would otherwise have if we were able to unite and co-operate on matters of common interest. People of Ukrainian descent are very well represented in the elite and professional ranks of Canadian society. These people represent a lot of financial and political potential. Unfortunately, most of these same people are alienated from the «organized» Ukrainian community, because they not speak Ukrainian, and have either drifted away or been made to feel «unwelcome» because of their lack of Ukrainian language skills.

The time has come for us to reach out to these lost generations of Ukrainian-Canadians, and make them feel at home, in our organizations, and in our newspapers. And to those strong advocated of the Ukrainian language in this debate, I would say, by all means do everything you can to preserve and promote the language, but please turn your back on those of us who through circumstance are not fluent speakers, but open the door and welcome us inside to share in the glory and richness of the Ukrainian heritage.