Ottawa Ukrainians
Celebrate
10th Anniversary
of Independence!
 

- Ukrainian Independence Day Picnic
- Reception at the Embassy of Ukraine
 
 
 

Images courtesy of:
 
    The Embassy of Ukraine
    Julia Woychyshyn
    Orest Dubas
    Borys Gengalo

 

Ukrainian Independence Day Picnic

On Sunday August 26, 2001 the Ukrainian community in Ottawa celebrated the 10th anniversary of Ukrainian independence with a picnic in Vincent Massey Park. Well-organized by the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association (UCPBA), the picnic has become an annual tradition in the Ottawa community. This year, the event attracted several sponsors which included the Buduchnist Credit Union, Ms. Vicki Karpiak, the Knights of Columbus (St. Volodymyr Council), and Ottawa SUM Youth Association.

Despite the overcast and drizzly weather, close to 200 people including staff from the Ukrainian Embassy turned out to take part in the formal opening ceremonies at which His Excellency Dr. Yurij Scherbak, Ambassador of Ukraine adressed the community. This was followed by a joyous cake-cutting ceremony, the singing of "Mnohaya Lita", and fun and games for all. For those who couldn't make it this year, the photos below give brief glimpses of this memorable event.
See you next year for the 11th!


Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada Dr. Yuri Scherbak opened the formal part of the picnic, with introductions by Oksana Yarosh (UCPBA Ottawa President). Far right - Ron Sorobey, Past President and Picnic Co-chair.


Picnic Co-Chair Orest Dubas reads out Ukraine's Declaration of Independence in English and Ukrainian. Ambassador Scherbak (left) had been one of the drafters of the Declaration in 1991. Also in photo - Oksana Yarosh, UCPBA Ottawa President, and Ron Sorobey, Past President.


Everyone helps Olya Katrushenko (in yellow rain jacket) to prepare "Ukraine's Independence Day Birthday Cake", supplied by Buduchnist Credit Union Branch in Ottawa. Fortunately the rain did not dampen any spirits!


Ambassador Scherbak and UCPBA Ottawa President Oksana Yarosh cut "Ukraine's Independence Day Birthday Cake", supplied by Buduchnist Credit Union Branch in Ottawa.


Singing Mnohaya Lita! and getting ready to eat the special "Ukraine's Independence Day Birthday Cake".


The Knights of Columbus, St. Volodymyr Council, prepare to serve the hungry masses (net proceeds going to the Sheptytskyj Institute at St. Paul's University). The BBQ was operated jointly with the Ottawa SUM Youth Association. L-r: Walter Usyk, Cornell Popyk, Ron Sorobey (Grand Knight).


Ihor Mykytyn paints a face, while onlookers have different reactions. The picnic also had a special "Mad Science" show for children, organized by Mykhailo Karpishka.

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Reception at the Embassy of Ukraine

With its customary grace and warmth, on Thursday September 6, 2001 the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa celebrated Ukrainian Independence Day. In attendance were more than 100 members of the Ottawa diplomatic community, Government of Canada officials, as well as the Ottawa Ukrainian hromada. The highlight of this important social event was the honouring of many Ukrainian-Canadians who helped to establish and maintain the bridge of effective cooperation between the Governments of Canada and Ukraine. It was especially moving that this recognition came on the 10th anniversary of Ukraine's renewed independence.


His Excellency Dr. Yurij Scherbak, Madame Maria Scherbak, and Col. Ivan Plyska - the Military Attache warmly greeted the arriving guests.


Col. Ivan Plyska - the Military Attache and his counterparts from Canada, and other Embassies in Ottawa in full regalia


Larissa Hershko - Vice Consul and Alla Okomaniuk - 2nd Secretary for Scientific, Technological and Educational Affairs were just two of the many Embassy staffers who made the guests welcome.


Ambassador Dr. Yurij Scherbak delivered a strong, up-beat report on Ukraine's many accomplishments since independence, and reaffirmed his faith that his country was "on track" towards integration with Europe and the rest of the world.

Walt Lastewka, MP and Head of the Canada Ukraine Parliamentary Committee shared his personal experiences from recently visiting Ukraine. Throwing aside pessimism, he stated that for Ukraine there was no going back to the old Soviet ways. Although reforms were proceeding more slowly than we would all like, the economic situation will improve.


Finally, the highlight of the reception! The following Ukrainian- Canadians received certificates of appreciation from the Embassy for their long-term work in facilitating relations between the Governments of Canada and Ukraine: Modest Cmoc, Orest Dubas, Nestor Gayowsky, Prof. Teofil Kis, Stanley Klosevych, Walter Makowecky, Halyna Michaelchuk, Orest Nowakiwsky, Oksana Piaseckyj, Volodymyr Ronish, Prof. Roman Serbyn, and Teodor Shumowsky. Lubomyr Kozak received a special certificate from the Ukrainian Ministry of External Affairs.

Congratulations to all!

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