Winnipeg to remember 31st anniversary of Ukrainian independence differently in 2022

Ukrainian Independence day is usually filled with celebrations. But this year given the ongoing Russian Invasion, a much more sombre tone. Here in Canada, the Ukrainian community is coming together to support each other, and the war effort.

On this day in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence after 70 years of Soviet control, but fast-forward 31 years, Ukraine is once again fighting for independence.

“This year, it takes on an even greater significance and meaning for the Ukrainian people, for Ukrainians all over the world and for all the friends of Ukraine,” said Orest Zakydalsky, Senior Police Advisor, Ukrainian Canadian Congress National.

Zakydalsky says it’s important for all Canadians to mark this day, as those living in Ukraine are fighting for freedom.

“People are marking the day at home as best as they can, and we join them here as well.”

Ukrainians all across the country are finding ways to mark the day… In Winnipeg, dozens gathered at City Hall to raise the Ukrainian flag and sing the Ukrainian national anthem.

“We’re proud of our culture, we want to showcase that, we want to show people that we are part of the Canadian society as well, so there are a lot of things that going into play and a lot of emotions that one wakes up to in the morning,” explained Ostap Skrypnyk, attended Ukrainian flag raising at City Hall.

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Nadia Baranova is from occupied Kherson in Ukraine and came to Canada in May. She says it’s really humbling to see Ukrainians celebrate their country all around the world.

“I hope that together, we will overcome this war and we will live in freedom, peace, prosperous country, peaceful country and in happiness,” said Baranova.

Manitoba has committed efforts to bringing displaced Ukrainians like Baranova to Canada.

To date, over 3,500 Ukrainians have arrived in the province, but Nick Krawetz, who has been an integral part of the settlement process, anticipates many more are coming in the fall and winter months.

“There’s 12 million people that are displaced right now and over 500,000 of these people have applied to come to Canada, and only 70,000 have made it so far, and we are only six months in,” explained Krawetz, a volunteer supporting Ukrainian refugees in Manitoba.

Krawetz says he’s never been more proud to be a Ukrainian.

“It’s not some distant thing my family is living in. My in-laws are displaced, my nephew is displaced. He might be starting school next month in Kyiv. I don’t want him to be hit by some missile. It’s incredibly difficult, but I just hope Ukraine will survive this, Ukraine will survive it. They need our assistance and support and that is why I am doing everything I can to help out.”