Ukrainian Museum of Canada completes major tourism and digital expansion with federal support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 5, 2026

Ukrainian Museum of Canada completes major tourism and digital expansion with federal support

SASKATOON, SK — The Ukrainian Museum of Canada has completed a major expansion of its visitor experience, tourism programming, and digital presence, made possible through an earlier $250,000 investment from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) under the Tourism Growth Program.

The investment has supported a series of initiatives designed to strengthen the Museum’s role as a leading cultural destination in Saskatchewan and beyond. These include the renovation of the Museum’s community room, the development of new hands-on tourism experiences, and the launch of a refreshed brand identity and fully redesigned website.

The newly renovated community room now serves as a flexible, welcoming space for workshops, school programs, artist talks, and community events, while also functioning as a dedicated dance studio, supporting the living traditions of Ukrainian culture through movement as well as making and learning.

At the same time, the Museum has introduced new tourism experiences that offer visitors more interactive ways to engage with Ukrainian Canadian culture, including traditional arts workshops and immersive cultural programming.

A key component of the project is the launch of the Museum’s new website and brand refresh. Developed in partnership with Western Canadian design studio The Hatchery, the updated website features improved navigation, enhanced accessibility, and streamlined access to exhibitions, events, and educational resources. The refreshed visual identity builds on the Museum’s 90-year legacy—celebrated in 2026—while presenting a contemporary look inspired by colours and motifs found within its collection.

Together, these initiatives position the Museum to reach broader audiences while improving the visitor experience both onsite and online.

“This moment feels especially meaningful as we mark our 90th anniversary,” said Dr. Jen Budney, Executive Director & CEO of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. “With PrairiesCan’s support, we have been able to invest not only in our space and our digital presence, but in the experiences we offer—creating a museum that is more open, more dynamic, and more responsive to the communities we serve. As we look ahead, these investments will allow us to continue growing—expanding our programming, deepening our community connections, and strengthening our role as a cultural destination for Saskatchewan and beyond.”

“The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that celebrates the rich contributions of the Ukrainian community to Saskatchewan’s history, culture, and identity—contributions that continue to shape the province today,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “By drawing visitors from across the province and the country, the museum will also help strengthen Saskatoon’s tourism economy. Our new government is proud to support projects across Canada that preserve Prairie culture and create lasting economic opportunities in our communities.”

“Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies across Canada. Our government is investing in communities to develop and enhance tourism experiences that attract domestic and international visitors,” said the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism). “Through projects like the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, we are helping bring more visitors into the region, supporting local growth, and building a strong Canadian economy for the future.”

“Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian community has helped shape who we are as a province, with generations of families contributing to the cultural richness we celebrate today”, said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “As Canada and Saskatchewan welcome Ukrainians affected by war, those ties feel more personal than ever. This investment in the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is about keeping these stories and traditions alive, supports the community, and gives people a place to connect.”

This project reflects a broader period of growth for the Museum, with expanded programming, increased attendance, and a renewed focus on cultural tourism. The organization continues to build connections with local, national, and international audiences through exhibitions, public programs, and digital initiatives.

About the Ukrainian Museum of Canada

Founded in 1936, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is the country’s oldest Ukrainian museum. Located along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, SK, it holds one of North America’s most significant collections of Ukrainian textiles, art, and cultural artefacts. Through exhibitions, programs, and community engagement, the Museum connects audiences to the rich and diverse histories, traditions, and contributions of Ukrainians in Canada and around the world. The Saskatoon headquarters serves as the hub of a national network, with additional branches in Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Visit our new website at: https://umcnational.ca

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Lindsey Rewuski (she/her)

Communications Manager

Ukrainian Museum of Canada (UWAC)

E: lindsey.rewuski@umcnational.ca

T: (306) 244-3800

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