Latest news with #Ukrainian-Canadian
Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Celebrating Ukrainian independence
Winnipeg POINT DOUGLASRIVERGROVE Ukrainian Independence Day is both a display of Ukrainian culture and a show of support for Ukraine as its war with Russia stretches into a fourth year. Organizer Maryka Chabluk extends an invitation for all to attend the celebrations at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 for a full day of food and entertainment. But get there early, Chabluk advised, as the first two events were filled to capacity. The free, family-friendly event opens at 1:30 p.m., with programs at 3 and 5 p.m. Prayers for Ukraine are scheduled for 2:30, and a flag unfurling at 4. A zabava, slated for 6:30, promises music, dancing, and sing-alongs. Please bring a chair or blanket and enjoy kids' activities, soccer, a bouncy castle, Ukrainian food, and 35 vendors, along with a beer garden. Supplied photo Ukrainian Independence Day will be celebrated at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a full day of food and entertainment. Chabluk said Independence Day was established in 1991 following the Soviet Union's dissolution, when 92.3 per cent voted for freedom. The agreement was signed on Aug. 24. 'We were very excited that Ukraine had the opportunity to govern itself and was no longer under the auspices of the USSR,' Chabluk said. 'We acknowledge that day and continue to hope that Ukraine maintains independence and has its own government.' Chabluk said Ukrainian newcomers' spirits are buoyed when they see they are part of a community dedicated to preserving Ukrainian culture. Independence Day celebrations help newcomers integrate into the Ukrainian-Canadian community. 'Craft vendors have become popular,' Chabluk said. 'They have become a lifeline and connection for people who sell these crafts in addition to their day jobs. Mriya, a newcomer youth choir, and Vodohrai, a newcomer adult choir, are also performing. 'It's a nice opportunity for them to continue in the talents they brought with them and to support each other.' The 4 p.m. flag unfurling promises to be a highlight. Chabluk has ordered a huge flag that the crowd will unfurl as they sing the Ukrainian national anthem, Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy i slava, i volia. An overhead drone will capture the moment. Supplied photo Ukrainian Independence Day will be celebrated at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a full day of food and entertainment. 'It's a very emotional opportunity to say we stand with Ukraine and are heartbroken with what exists there now,' Chabluk said. 'Prayer for Ukraine has also become an important part of this day. Peace is what everybody longs for.' As much as Chabluk and the organizing team give to Independence Day, they get plenty back. During the first celebrations, the groups sang Christmas carols, the same ones taught for generations. An already strong connection was further deepened. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. 'Even though we were once thousands of miles apart, we can still share something special,' Chabluk said. Come for the food, entertainment and fellowship. Buy some traditional food to take home. While there's no charge, feel free to donate to defray costs. 'We're very thrilled to have everybody join us,' Chabluk said. 'We're doing our best to unite the Ukrainian people, whether they've been here three, four, or five years, or they've just arrived. Supplied photo Ukrainian Independence Day will be celebrated at Access Centre (48 Holland Rd.) in West St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 24 with a full day of food and entertainment. 'We're united as one family.' Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress at or 204-942-9348. Tony ZeruchaEast Kildonan community correspondent Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Cultural diversity and sustainable practice to come together in the KESKUS International Estonian Centre
TORONTO, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is supporting the Estonian Arts Centre to construct a green roof through a combined investment of more than $1.6 million. Enriching the experience of visitors to the KESKUS International Estonian Centre, the green roof will cap the Estonian Arts Centre's vision to create an architecturally significant, cultural landmark. Reducing stormwater run-off, passively cooling the building and providing additional green space, the more than 8,000-square-foot rooftop garden and terrace will be a unique, beautiful and functional feature of the facility. The investment will support its construction, including installing irrigation, stormwater management systems, walkways, and lighting. KESKUS will be a hub for people of all generations to connect, celebrate, and share Estonian culture and achievements. As a symbol of its interconnected relationship to the residents of Toronto, the green roof will be planted with trees and plantings that are native to both southern Ontario and Estonia. Quotes "As MP for University—Rosedale, I am proud that Toronto is home to people from all over the world, whose cultures, experiences and ideas make our city one of the greatest places to live in the world. KESKUS will be a place to celebrate the past contributions and achievements of Estonians around the world, while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for everyone. I am grateful to the Estonian-Canadian community for choosing to make Canada their home and for the cultural wealth they bring to our country. As a Ukrainian-Canadian I am also grateful to Estonian-Canadians for their resolute support for Ukraine as it fights Vladimir Putin's criminal invasion and stands up for democracy and the rules-based international order." The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "The scale and ambition of this green roof make it a standout feature of KESKUS, and thanks to the support of the Natural Infrastructure Fund, we're proud that we will deliver a space that will benefit the building, the community, and the environment for generations to come. This investment isn't just about construction—it's about legacy." , Board Chair, Estonian Arts Centre Quick Facts The federal government is investing $1 million in the construction of the green roof through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and the Estonian Arts Centre is contributing $686,300. In 2023, the federal government also announced its contribution of $750,000 through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for below-grade construction of KESKUS. Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed €1,371,808 (about CAD$2.15 million) to support the completion of the multifunctional large hall at KESKUS. The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access to nature. Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living dikes, bioswales, and naturalized coastal restoration. Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of engineered grey infrastructure to enhance or support natural infrastructure and/or the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure include green roofs and walls, and naturalized stormwater ponds. A minimum of 10% of the overall Natural Infrastructure Fund envelope will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects. Strengthened Climate Plan Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada Follow us on social: Facebook, Instagram, X Web: SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cultural diversity and sustainable practice to come together in the KESKUS International Estonian Centre
TORONTO, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is supporting the Estonian Arts Centre to construct a green roof through a combined investment of more than $1.6 million. Enriching the experience of visitors to the KESKUS International Estonian Centre, the green roof will cap the Estonian Arts Centre's vision to create an architecturally significant, cultural landmark. Reducing stormwater run-off, passively cooling the building and providing additional green space, the more than 8,000-square-foot rooftop garden and terrace will be a unique, beautiful and functional feature of the facility. The investment will support its construction, including installing irrigation, stormwater management systems, walkways, and lighting. KESKUS will be a hub for people of all generations to connect, celebrate, and share Estonian culture and achievements. As a symbol of its interconnected relationship to the residents of Toronto, the green roof will be planted with trees and plantings that are native to both southern Ontario and Estonia. Quotes "As MP for University—Rosedale, I am proud that Toronto is home to people from all over the world, whose cultures, experiences and ideas make our city one of the greatest places to live in the world. KESKUS will be a place to celebrate the past contributions and achievements of Estonians around the world, while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for everyone. I am grateful to the Estonian-Canadian community for choosing to make Canada their home and for the cultural wealth they bring to our country. As a Ukrainian-Canadian I am also grateful to Estonian-Canadians for their resolute support for Ukraine as it fights Vladimir Putin's criminal invasion and stands up for democracy and the rules-based international order." The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "The scale and ambition of this green roof make it a standout feature of KESKUS, and thanks to the support of the Natural Infrastructure Fund, we're proud that we will deliver a space that will benefit the building, the community, and the environment for generations to come. This investment isn't just about construction—it's about legacy." Liisa Kaarid, Board Chair, Estonian Arts Centre Quick Facts The federal government is investing $1 million in the construction of the green roof through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and the Estonian Arts Centre is contributing $686,300. In 2023, the federal government also announced its contribution of $750,000 through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for below-grade construction of KESKUS. Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed €1,371,808 (about CAD$2.15 million) to support the completion of the multifunctional large hall at KESKUS. The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access to nature. Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living dikes, bioswales, and naturalized coastal restoration. Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of engineered grey infrastructure to enhance or support natural infrastructure and/or the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure include green roofs and walls, and naturalized stormwater ponds. A minimum of 10% of the overall Natural Infrastructure Fund envelope will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects. Associated Links Natural Infrastructure Fundhttps:// Strengthened Climate Planhttps:// Housing and Infrastructure Project Maphttps:// Over 400 Canada Community Revitalization Fund projects boost community infrastructure across southern Ontariohttps:// Estonia supports the largest expatriate project of the last half-century: KESKUS International Estonian Centrehttps:// Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInWeb: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada Follow us on social: Facebook, Instagram, XWeb: SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukrainian diaspora groups urge NHL to reject games with Russian league
More than 30 Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian groups are urging the National Hockey League (NHL) to reject the idea of organizing matches against teams from Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). In a letter sent on April 7 to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, first reported by NBC News, the organizations said collaborating with the KHL would harm the NHL's reputation and "would be an affront to millions of American and Canadian NHL fans and to people of Ukrainian descent in both countries." Razom for Ukraine, a U.S.-based nonprofit advocating for international support for Ukraine and a co-signer of the letter, shared it on X on April 8. As of March, at least 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed by Russia, 22 are held in captivity, and 11 are missing. Some 725 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks, including 17 Olympic, Paralympic, and Deaflympic training bases. The appeal comes shortly after Alexander Ovechkin, who is originally from Russia, became the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. The organizations warned that any cooperation between the NHL and KHL "would forever stain your organization's reputation, facilitate the broader reintegration of the Russian Federation into world sporting bodies, undermine the NHL's own stated values, and alienate millions of hockey fans." Daniel Balson, director of public engagement at Razom for Ukraine—a U.S.-based organization that co-signed the letter—called for a stronger stance from the NHL. "Our letter simply asks for the NHL to make plain and public its opposition to any such collaboration," Balson said, according to NBC News. He added that potential NHL-KHL matches would coincide with "Russian bombs raining fire on Ukraine civilians." The controversy emerged after Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suggested hockey matchups between American and Russian players during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump last month. According to the Kremlin, Trump supported Putin's proposal, although the NHL said it was "not part of the original conversation, and there have been no further discussions." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said last month that although hockey was discussed during the leaders' call, the administration's priority is securing a peace agreement, not scheduling hockey matches. Read also: Ukrainian athletes who will never have a chance to compete at the Olympics We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Japan Times
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Ukraine support groups call on NHL to reject Russia collaboration
More than two dozen Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian groups called on the NHL to reject any collaboration with the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, after talks between U.S President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said last month that Trump supported Putin's idea of hosting hockey games between professional American and Russian players, after Russia was frozen out of the sport's international events following its invasion of Ukraine. Putin's plan would see games take place in the U.S. and Russia. Groups including Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based nonprofit that sends non-military assistance to the country, urged NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to reject any such collaboration in an open letter. "Were such matches to take place, they would be an affront to millions of American and Canadian NHL fans and to people of Ukrainian descent in both countries," the letter read. "We urge you to express prompt, public, and unequivocal opposition to this suggestion." An NHL spokesperson said the league was not part of the original conversation and that it was not aware of any further discussions on the topic. The KHL, which includes 20 teams in Russia, as well as one each from Belarus, Kazakhstan and China, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Russian Alex Ovechkin on Sunday broke a record once regarded as untouchable with his 895th career NHL goal. Ovechkin, a longtime supporter of Putin, was hailed as a "legendary master" of hockey by the Russian leader after surpassing the mark set by Wayne Gretzky. "Without a doubt, this achievement has become not only your personal success, but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad," Putin said in a statement.
