Donor Spotlight: Dr. Rostyslaw and Janet Dmytruk

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is honoured to recognize Dr. Rostyslaw (Rusty) Dmytruk and his wife, Janet, for their generous gift of $40,000 in support of the Museum’s mission. This donation came from the Dmytruk Family Fund through the Edmonton Community Foundation in October 2024.

About Dr. Rostyslaw Dmytruk

Dr. Dmytruk, a retired orthodontist from Alberta, is the brother of Ihor Rodion Dmytruk, whose artistic legacy is celebrated in the Museum’s retrospective exhibition Ihor Rodion Dmytruk: Testament. Rusty was just four months old when his family fled the invading Soviets, leaving L’viv for Austria before eventually settling in Alberta. His passion for preserving and promoting Ukrainian art and culture shines through in his thoughtful support of this project.

Contribution to the Museum

Reflecting on the Dmytruk family’s decision to contribute, Rusty shared, “We wanted to support my brother’s legacy and the Museum’s commitment to showcasing his life’s work. Hosting a retrospective of this calibre requires resources, and we were inspired to help cover the costs, particularly as the show has the potential to travel to other cities.” 

Rusty and Janet believe strongly in the importance of high-quality, centralized institutions like the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. “Ukrainian art and culture have been essential in nourishing the Ukrainian national identity, both in Ukraine and the diaspora. Supporting a dynamic, well-organized museum ensures that our stories and traditions are shared with the world,” Rusty emphasized.

For Rusty, a museum is more than a space to display artefacts—it is a vibrant hub for learning and connection. He admires the Ukrainian Museum of Canada’s rotating exhibitions, interactive programs, and workshops in arts and crafts such as pysanka-writing, embroidery, and iconography. “A successful museum is dynamic, engaging visitors not just as spectators but as participants,” he said. He even imagines a café within the Museum, providing a gathering space for visitors to enjoy excellent coffee and pastries while discovering the richness of Ukrainian heritage.

Rusty and Janet’s generosity is also inspired by their commitment to supporting Ukrainian causes. “A message I’d share with others considering giving is this: Ukrainian organizations rely on our support to survive and thrive. We have a responsibility to invest in our culture and community,” Rusty explained.

The Dmytruk Family’s gift exemplifies their vision for a vibrant future, where younger generations are drawn into the richness of Ukrainian culture. Rusty underscores the importance of engaging children early through hands-on activities, fostering curiosity and pride in their heritage.

As we celebrate the Dmytruk Family’s generous donation, the Museum also acknowledges Rusty’s thoughtful vision for its future, inspired by his brother’s artistry and a shared belief in the enduring power of culture.

Thank you, Rusty and Janet, for helping us share the story of Ukrainians in Canada and beyond.

“Ukrainian art and culture have been essential in nourishing the Ukrainian national identity, both in Ukraine and the diaspora. Supporting a dynamic, well-organized museum ensures that our stories and traditions are shared with the world.”

Dr. Rostyslaw Dmytruk

If you’re interested in donating or bequeathing to the museum, please call 306-244-3800 or email Jen Budney at director@umcnational.ca.