LISTEN & LEARN

If you hunger to know more about your roots and history as a Ukrainian-Canadian, Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival is the place to be August 25-26.

Festival Coordinator, Hazel Anaka invites festival-goers to this year’s lineup of informational sessions. “We’re pleased to announce some top-notch speakers who are sure to increase our collective understanding of the hardships and triumphs of Ukrainians both in Canada and in Ukraine,” said Anaka. “This information will help explain the strength and resilience of our people.”

Starving Ukraine: The Holodomor and Canada’s Response by Dr. Serge Cipko, Assistant Director (Research) at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies and the author of several books including Starving Ukraine.

News about a famine in Soviet Ukraine that was claiming lives on a colossal scale traversed the borders of the USSR in 1932 and 1933. Although the government of the USSR denied it, Canadians came to learn about the famine from many albeit sometimes contradictory sources. Through an analysis of newspapers, political speeches, and protests, Starving Ukraine examines both Canada’s reporting of the famine (today known as the Holodomor) and the country’s response to it, highlighting the important role played by journalists and protesters. In his presentation, Dr. Cipko will emphasize the protests and actions that took place in Vegreville, Willingdon, Mundare, and other places in east-central Alberta.

Medical Mercy Canada by Elaine & Dr. Myron Semkuley. Hear these Calgary humanitarians talk about founding Medical Mercy Canada, a registered charity whose mission is to “relieve suffering and improve quality of life through direct provision of supplies, education, and services to medical facilities and schools for overlooked and impoverished areas of the world.” Hear about how retired physician, Myron and pharmacist wife, Elaine have undertaken projects in Ukraine during the charity’s 26 years of existence. Be sure to visit the Medical Mercy Canada booth at Baba’s Bazaar for more information.