The following was submitted by Oksana Kobzar, who organized the Ukrainian Heritage Day celebration at the BWG Library.
The first official Ukrainian immigrants, Vasyl Eleniak and Ivan Pylypiw arrived in Canada on Sept. 7, 1891.
Soon after, Ukrainian immigrants began arriving in Ontario in larger numbers, establishing vibrant communities and contributing significantly to the cultural and social landscape of the province.
Recognizing the important role Ukrainians have played in shaping the history and culture of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario proclaimed Sept. 7 each year as Ukrainian Heritage Day in 2001.
Ukrainian Heritage Day serves as a time to celebrate and honour the rich cultural traditions, values, and achievements of the Ukrainian community in Ontario.
It is a day to remember the struggles and triumphs of Ukrainian pioneers and to recognize the ongoing contributions of Ukrainian Canadians in various fields, from agriculture and business to arts, education, and politics.
This year, the Ukrainian Heritage Day celebration at the BWG Library, organized by the Ukrainian Community of Bradford, was a vibrant and colourful display of Ukrainian culture, bringing together the local Ukrainian community, friends, and neighbours to celebrate and share their heritage.
The event featured a diverse range of activities showcasing the richness of Ukrainian traditions.
It brought together generations to celebrate the arts, music, and flavours of Ukraine, reinforcing the importance of keeping these traditions alive and passing them on to future generations.
It was also a testament to the strength and beauty of the heritage and the dedication of the Ukrainian Community of Bradford, preserving it, even far from their homeland.
The exhibits showcasing traditional Ukrainian crafts and handcrafted items will remain on display at the BWG Library until the end of the month.
