Our deep connections to Ukraine

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/03/2022 (1497 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s difficult to write about happy travel things as the world watches in horror as Ukraine is invaded. So many of us are connected to Ukraine. Some of my relatives are Ukrainian. Good friends and colleagues. One of my favourite teachers at university was from Ukraine. It’s been estimated that there are 182,000 Manitobans of Ukrainian descent.

Just the other day I met a woman who shared with me — with tears welling in her eyes — that her sister lives just 40 minutes away from the bombing. I can’t even fathom the fear. My heart goes out to all Ukrainians and their beautiful country — a place I have not yet visited but hope to someday.

Here in Manitoba, there are several sites, places and monuments that reflect the rich culture and history of Ukraine. Places such as the Wasyl Negrych Pioneer Homestead, which is considered Canada’s oldest known Ukrainian dwelling is lies nestled away off a dusty gravel road just north of Gilbert Plains.

In the late 1800s, immigrants to Canada were offered deeds to portions of land on the prairies at reasonable prices, on the condition they build homesteads and remain as settlers. Along came Wasyl Negrych, wife Anna, and seven children from the highlands of western Ukraine. They bought a quarter-section of land in 1897 and built a temporary shelter of poplar poles and cowhide. In 1899, construction of their permanent house was completed, with a sturdy beamed ceiling and extremely rare wooden roof — the only Canadian example of a long-shingle Carpathian roof.

Inside, the layout consists of a central kitchen area and two side rooms. Both the interior and exterior were finished with handmade plaster, which keeps buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. The residence remains intact on its original site and is in pristine condition. It was designated a heritage site by the Province of Manitoba, and is recognized as a national historic site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

The Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre at 184 Alexander Ave. E. in Winnipeg was founded in 1944 and has grown into one of the largest Ukrainian resource centres in North America. It celebrates the remarkable achievements and legacy of the Ukrainian Canadian community with a museum, art gallery, and cultural programming, as well as a library, historic archives, and curated boutique. Oseredok prides itself on uniqueness of inter-related collections that reflect a wide range of history and heritage through art, music, literature, and ethnography.

The Taras Shevchenko Monument, facing Osborne Street on the Manitoba Legislative Grounds. is a tribute to the famous Ukrainian poet. It was made by New York sculptor Andrew Daragan and Winnipeg sculptor Roman Kowal, and unveiled on July 9, 1961 by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. A plaque was placed beside the monument in 1998 that commemorates the thousands of Ukrainian Canadians and other Eastern Europeans who were imprisoned during Canada’s internment operations from 1914 to 1920 — a constant reminder of another dark chapter of Canadian history.

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada was founded in 1936, and is recognized nationally for the preservation and promotion of Canadian Ukrainian heritage. The Manitoba Branch at 1175 Main St. in Winnipeg was formally established in 1950, although it dates back to 1928 with an exhibit that featured traditional items from 13 different ethnic groups. Today it features a collection of historic and contemporary folk arts and traditional dress, and houses a library and gift shop.

Its virtual Women of Influence exhibit showcases 14 resilient females who dedicated their lives fighting for change throughout history — testament to the resiliency of the Ukrainian women who are literally fighting for their lives today.

RoseAnna Schick
Travelations

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rasinspired@gmail.com

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