Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch Commemorates the 90th Anniversary of the Holodomor with a Requiem Service and Artistic Production at Holodomor Memorial Parkette – Exhibition Place Toronto
By Nadia Prokopiw
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch’s Holodomor 90th Anniversary Commemorative such a monumental success.
Such a powerful and passionate performance, choreographed by Artistic Director Krista Samborsky and performed by Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance, moved people to tears. Many of the younger dancers and youth reading the narratives were from St. Demetrius (TCDSB) School. Over 2000 people attended the event at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Clergy from The Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches presided over the memorial prayer services. Canadian media provided ongoing and thorough coverage, and our event was broadcast on Canadian national news and news programs in Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland proudly affirmed her Ukrainian heritage and reconfirmed Canada’s unwavering financial and military support for Ukraine. Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced proactive education on the Holodomor for all Ontario schools. Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow empathized with the tragedy that is ‘death by starvation’ and reiterated Toronto’s welcome and support for our Ukrainian resettlers. Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto Oleksandr Shevchenko thanked all levels of government for their support.
The program ended with Holodomor survivor- Mykola Latyshko recounting his horrific experience as a 7-year-old child during the famine and emotionally delivering the poem he wrote about the Holodomor. Members of Parliament Yvan Baker, James Maloney and Oakville City Councillor Natalia Lishchyna also provided their support for our Holodomor event. Follow the links below for additional coverage.
Photo:Mykola Swarnyk
Bogdana Torbina.
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