A celebration of Ukraine and Canada

Jennifer Fedun hopes people from all backgrounds come to Smith Street this weekend for a  celebration of multicultarism and dual identities.

Fedun is the president at the Yorkton branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. They’re organizing a festival for Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Old Land Titles building. The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The festival is called the Svoboda Celebration. Svoboda translates to “freedom.”

The festival honours Canada’s 150th birthday along with Ukraine’s independence.

“We’re celebrating the dual identities people hold,” Fedun said.

Ukraine declared  independence on August 24, 1991, distancing itself from the crumbling Soviet Union. Canada was one of the first countries to recognize its independence. The date is celebrated by Ukrainians around the world.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Yorkton decided to celebrate its independence day while honouring their Canadian home. It will be their biggest undertaking yet.

“This is the first time we’ve done something on our own,” Fedun said.

The festival will include face-painting and balloon animals. There will also be food and music. 

There will be a historic fashion show, which will demonstrate the evolution of Ukrainian clothing in Canada from the 1800s to today.

Fedun said the event is more than a festival for Ukrainian culture; it’s a celebration of Canada’s rich multicultural history.

“It’s not just for Ukrainian people,” she said. “We’ve invited many communities.”

Fedun hopes the festival brings people together from various backgrounds and cultures.

“We want to emphasize the importance of community and how community is built by everyone,” she said. “You don’t have to be scared of different cultures.”

Nykole King, a community animator with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Saskatoon, is helping organize the event. She’s been working around Saskatchewan all summer hosting events celebrating Ukrainian culture. She wants to share Ukraine’s important past with everyone.

“I hope people learn about the long history of Ukrainian-Canadians,” she said. “We’re nation-builders here.”

People searching for further information about the festival can call 306-715-9501 or check out UCCYorkton on Facebook.