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History

Timeline: A Legacy of Culture and Resilience

1926

1926 – The Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC) is Founded

Ukrainian women across Canada formally organize to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture. Their guiding principle: “In education lies our strength.”

1927

1927 – Savella Stechishen’s Speech Sparks a Movement

At the second UWAC convention, Savella Stechishen condemns the misclassification of Ukrainian handicrafts as Russian at a national exhibition. This ignites a mission to document, defend, and promote Ukrainian culture as an act of pride and resistance.

1936

1936 – The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is Established

The UWAC purchases its first collection of embroidery from Hanka Romanchych Kowalchuk, featuring textiles brought from Ukraine. The Museum is housed in P. Mohyla Institute, Saskatoon.

1941

1941 – First Headquarters Established

The Museum moves into a dedicated space. Branches are established in Edmonton (1944), Toronto (1944), Winnipeg (1950), and Vancouver (1956).

1964

1964 – Outgrowing Space & Moving to Temperance Street

Upon moving, the Museum expands its collection, research, and education programs.

1965

1965 – UWAC Commissions William Kurelek’s ‘Ukrainian Pioneer Women’ Series

Twelve paintings are commissioned to honour Ukrainian women’s resilience and contributions. They are acquired by the Museum as part of its permanent collection.

1973

1973 – First Full-Time Curator, Linda Lazarowich, is Hired

Under her leadership, fundraising begins for a permanent home.

1980

1977–1980 – A Permanent Home on Spadina Crescent

Mike Boychuk, a real estate developer, assists in securing the site. Fundraising is led by Linda Lazarowich and Mary Tkachuk. The plans are designed by Ottawa architect Z. Charles Stankiewicz in collaboration with Saskatoon architect Melvin Malkin. The official opening occurs in 1980, marking a new era of exhibitions, research, and outreach.

1986

1980s–1990s – Expanding Collections & Publications

Acquisition of significant artefacts and artworks, including the Kurelek series. A key publication was Ukrainian Pioneer Women (1991) by Vera Nokony, a treatise on the works of William Kurelek.

The Pobut Art Heritage Costume Patterns (1986) are created, featuring traditional Poltava and Hutsul region costumes. The Museum is under the leadership of Albert Kachkowski, a cultural champion who also co-founded:

  • Saskatoon’s Vesna Festival
  • Karpaty Ukrainian Pavilion (Saskatoon Folkfest)
  • Ukrainian Day in the Park

2022

2000s–Present | Reinvention & Resistance

The Museum has a renewed mission to preserve, educate, and advocate for Ukrainian culture since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. There is an expansion of cultural and educational programming, including:

  • the Artist-in-Residence Program
  • Weaving, embroidery, and pysanka workshops
  • Film festivals, book clubs, and public lectures

There are also strengthened partnerships with the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage (PCUH) and international organizations. The Museum takes an advisory role in decolonizing museums and Ukrainian heritage education. There is ongoing research on Ukrainian-Indigenous relationships and shared histories.

Additionally, the Museum hosts the 2025 Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of North America Conference.

2025

Today – A Living Legacy

Nearly 90 years after its founding, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada continues to evolve. It is a dynamic space for cultural preservation, innovation, and resistance that honours the vision of its founders while shaping the future of Ukrainian heritage in Canada.

Today

A Living Legacy

Nearly 90 years after its founding, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada continues to evolve. A dynamic space for cultural preservation, innovation, and resistance.

Honouring the vision of its founders while shaping the future of Ukrainian heritage in Canada.