This year is officially being proclaimed as the year of Saskatchewan Ukrainians.
Premier Brad Wall made the announcement on behalf of the government Tuesday morning, one day before Ukrainian Christmas Eve. This year was chosen because 2016 marks the 125th anniversary of when the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants began arriving in Canada and in Saskatchewan.
“That migration has really not stopped since,” Wall said.
“I think as builders and as growers of our province it’s just wonderful to be recognized,” said Mary Ann Trischuk, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Saskatchewan.
She spoke about how Ukrainians have contributed to civil society and to the ethnography of the province, helping to make Saskatchewan what it is today.
In Saskatchewan over 13 per cent of the population, or about 136,000 people, have some ties to Ukraine.
A number of events will commemorate the anniversary across Canada, to be announced at a later date. Regina will also host the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ 25th Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians in the fall.