UKRAINIAN CANADIAN COMMUNITY UNITED AND INVIGORATED AT XXIII TRIENNIAL CONGRESS
The XXIII Congress of Ukrainian Canadians themed “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future” concluded with a strong mandate for the term 2010-2013 to: engage Ukraine, support enhanced youth engagement and leadership training for community organizations; and to finds ways to connect the 1.2M Ukrainian Canadians through initiatives such as the arts and social media.
“The Congress has provided a strong mandate for the community to speak with one voice through the Ukrainian Canadian Congress,” stated re-elected National President Paul Grod. “At a time when we are marking momentous occasions such as the 70th anniversary of the Congress and looking at the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement of Canada, the Congress will be working with our member organizations to coordinate initiatives across Canada to celebrate this important year.
Held in Edmonton for the first time, the Congress attracted nearly 300 registered delegates from across Canada representing every aspect of community life. The resolutions adopted by the congress included a reaffirmation of the need for an enhanced presence in Ottawa through an information and resource center; a declaration that we must shift our focus towards community development through capacity building and leadership training as well as a strong commitment to our heritage through promotion of Ukrainian culture, the Arts and language education. A complete list of Congress resolutions adopted is posted on our website at www.ucc.ca.
“In order to achieve our objectives, delegates, committees and member organizations must be engaged at all levels and in all sectors. We need to continue to connect to our community and confirm our founding principle that we are strong when we speak with one voice. We have elected a new board and executive mandated to fulfill the priorities established by the community and it is our intention to do so.” – Paul Grod, UCC National President
“This Congress could not have been so memorable and successful without the tremendous speakers and pre-eminent people who shared with us their wisdom, and views on how to move forward for the future. I would also like to thank our performers Hutsuliochky from Ivano-Frankivsk, and Edmonton’s own Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, and Shumka dancers.”- Daria Luciw, XXIII Congress Chair
The UCC would like to thank the following key note speakers Dr. Olenka Bilash, The Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, MLA, Mr. James Temerty, Volodymyr Viatrovych, Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk and the Hon. Rob Merrifield, M.P.
