Congratulations to Dr. Jen Budney — Nation Builder Award Recipient

Established in 1995, the UCC Saskatchewan Recognitions Program celebrates individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Ukrainian Canadian community and on the province and country as a whole. The Nation Builders Award recognizes individuals whose contributions demonstrate exceptional leadership, create meaningful impact, and leave a legacy for future generations.

Jen has worked in the cultural sector for more than 30 years as a curator, writer, and museum leader. An art school graduate with a Master’s in Anthropology and a PhD in Public Policy, where her research focused on the public value created by museums, she brings deep expertise and vision to her work. 

For the past three and a half years, Jen has led the Ukrainian Museum of Canada with thoughtful leadership, forward-looking strategies, and a renewed sense of energy. During this time, the museum has received a $250,000 Prairies Economic Development tourism grant, upgraded its community room and building façade, welcomed distinguished guests such as Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv, and significantly expanded its presence within the community and beyond. 

Under Jen’s leadership, the museum also hosted the Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of North America Conference — the first time the event has been held in Canada — bringing together scholars, museum professionals, and community leaders from across North America. The organization has also developed a new five-year strategic plan to guide the museum into its next chapter of growth and community engagement. 

During this period, the museum has presented a series of innovative and moving exhibitions, including Songs of Our Ancestors, Ihor Rodion Dmytruk: Testament, and Folk Imaginaries: Ukrainian Clothing and Imagination, while launching a successful Artist-in-Residence program that invites contemporary artists to engage with the museum’s historic collection in new and meaningful ways. 

Evan Howlett, President of the Board of Directors, shared: 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, I would like to congratulate Jen Budney on receiving the Nation Builder Award presented by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan. 

Nominating Jen for this award was an opportunity to express our gratitude for her leadership in the transformation of the museum over the past three and a half years. 

Jen brings knowledge, experience, energy, and passion to her role as Executive Director. Under her leadership, the museum has evolved from primarily a repository of artifacts into a dynamic community anchor and cultural convener, ensuring broad and equitable access to its programs, exhibitions, and collections. 

As a board, we are excited to continue this journey with Jen as the museum moves forward in its ongoing transformation. 

Jen, we are so proud of you!”

Past President of the Board of Directors, Dobr. Karen Wasylenko, also reflected on Jen’s leadership: 

“Jen Budney has brought to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada enormous energy and dedication to the museum and its work. It was an honour to participate in the nomination process to recognize Jen for her diligence, dedication, and leadership to the museum and its staff, and in showcasing the Ukrainian Museum of Canada as a major cultural and educational centre, locally, nationally, and beyond.” 

With roots in Ukrainian villages in Ternopil oblast, and Ukrainian immigrant communities in Manitoba and Alberta, Jen’s commitment to cultural stewardship is both personal and professional. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Jen Budney on this well-deserved honour.