Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day celebrated in Alberta, Ontario

The day was chosen to honour the first officially recorded Ukrainian immigrants, Ivan Pylypiw and Vasyl Eleniak, who arrived in Canada on Sept. 7, 1891. They travelled to Canada’s West, and spread the news about the vast farmlands there back to Ukraine. Their arrival marked the beginning of Ukrainian immigration to Canada, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress has reported.

For over 125 years, Ukrainians have contributed to the essential fabric of Canadian life and culture. The Ukrainian story in Canada is a testament to the opportunities and possibilities that our great country represents. Ukrainians have remembered their traditions, language and culture while giving back to the land where they have made their homes.

Note: Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day is also observed in Manitoba, on the last Saturday of July to coincide with Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival near Dauphin, Manitoba. Saskatchewan also marked 2016 as the year of Saskatchewan Ukrainians to celebrate the 125th anniversary of immigration from Ukraine to Canada.