Krystina Tulchynska wearing her Vyshyvanka. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Vyshyvanka Day

Celebrating Ukrainian cultural day in Prince Albert

May 19, 2023 | 12:15 PM

Ukrainian newcomers in Prince Albert recently showed off their culture through unique clothing.

Known as Vyshyvankas, these embroidered shirts are specifically worn on the third Thursday of May to celebrate the heritage, dignity, and resiliency of Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.

“It’s in our DNA, it’s our national identity,” said Krystina Tulchynska.

While this wasn’t her first time celebrating Vyshyvanka Day in Prince Albert, it was the first time she had a Vyshyvanka to wear. Her friend Sonya Jahn, who’s also looking after all newcomers in the city, gave her one after finding out she had to leave hers behind in Ukraine.

“I’ll have this Vyshyvanka for all my life,” added Tulchynska.

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Despite not having any real plans to officially celebrate the day, Tulchynska noted she still saw quite a few people wearing Vyshyvankas. She currently works for the YWCA helping newcomers get situated in the community, including Ukrainian newcomers.

Seeing more Ukrainians and Vyshyvankas has definitely helped her with her transition to a new life in Canada.

“We still feel like we’re home,” Tulchynska said.

Meanwhile, she joked that she doesn’t get as many questions as she thought she’d get from people interested in learning more about Ukraine and her culture.

This is because so many people living in the province already have a Ukrainian background. According to the province, over 13 per cent of residents trace all or part of their ancestry to Ukraine.

“I was surprised in the first few months when I got here that a lot of Saskatchewan residents have Ukrainian roots or Ukrainian family members.”

She explained this has helped her feel more comfortable celebrating her heritage while living so far away from home.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow