Ukrainians in Prince Albert celebrated their Independence Day from Russia on Saturday, August 24. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Ukraine

P.A. Ukrainians celebrate Independence Day

Aug 24, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Slava Ukraine!

That was just part of the celebration of Ukrainian culture and the country’s independence from Russia 33 years ago heard on Saturday at Memorial Square in Prince Albert.

The city is now home to 130 families who fled the war in Ukraine and opted to make the city home, but memories and worries for Ukraine are still sharp.

Sonja Jahn has her own Ukrainian heritage to celebrate and has been welcoming new Ukrainians for several years now.

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“They come from all different parts of Ukraine,” she said. “The immigration program that allowed Ukrainians fleeing the conflict to come to Canada has officially ended but family members of those already here are being given more time.”

“The program to be able to have any of the families who may not have their permanent residency yet to be able to extend their work permits for another three years so they can achieve that,” she said.

The families that are here are in the process or have already achieved their permanent residency and all want to stay in Canada.

They are settling in and their children are in school, and all are working and supporting their families.

Jahn and one of the new Ukrainians both agreed that the new and previous Ukrainians don’t see that much difference in their cultural traditions unless it is due to geography.

Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick, who is very vocal about his own Ukrainian heritage and part of the local group helping to welcome the newcomers, spoke about why it was important to celebrate Ukrainian independence.

“Ukraine will win the current conflict, and then the dancing and celebrating at Memorial Square will continue for days and nights,” he said.

Most Western Canadians are familiar with parts of Ukrainian culture, such as the dancing, shown here by two children.

Along with traditions and language, food plays an important part in culture. Ukraine, as the ‘breadbasket’ of Europe, grows a lot of wheat. Wheat, of course, is grain used to make flour, the base ingredient of many breads.

The lady who made the featured loaf on Saturday said she finished it at 3:30 in the morning.

Bread, made into complex loaves like this, is a staple in Ukrainian cultural celebrations. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com