Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada,
As the longer nights and crisp air announce the impending arrival of autumn, it is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to all of you. I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits.
Fall is a special time for the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. With our AGM in early September, the season marks a time of reflection on the accomplishments of the past year, and it also offers a moment to look forward to the many exciting initiatives and events awaiting us.
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our members, donors, and volunteers for your steadfast support in preserving and promoting Ukrainian cultural heritage in Canada. Without your dedication and generosity, our achievements would not be possible.
The past year has been a journey of growth and innovation for the museum, with a new team and strategic plan. We have created and presented several exhibitions that received overwhelming praise from visitors and the media, locally and nationally; hosted our first summer children’s camp; and collaborated with a wide range of organizations, from the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage to Doors Open Saskatoon. Our membership has grown and our social media is making our presence felt across North America and beyond. With a new physical presence thanks to landscaping and window designs created by Taras Lachowsky, people are taking notice. And we are just getting started!
Looking ahead, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is planning an array of exciting events for the autumn season and beyond. From gallery renovations and a new presentation of our permanent collection to Christmas tradition workshops, book launches, and musical presentations, our calendar promises enriching experiences for all ages. We encourage you to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates and announcements since some of our programming for the fall is still under development.
Every day on this job, I continue to marvel at the foresight and brilliance of our founders, the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, in creating this extraordinary institution. As Russia continues its genocidal attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is evermore committed to promoting and celebrating Ukrainian culture in Canada, and to working with artists and organizations from Ukraine to raise awareness and support for the Ukrainian defence.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our talented team, many of whom have just celebrated or will soon celebrate their one-year anniversaries at the museum. Our staff works very hard, but they do so with great joy and a sense of adventure. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable support of our volunteers. Both staff and volunteers comprise “small but mighty” teams that we aim to grow and develop in the years to come. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone for their tireless efforts and unwavering passion for the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.
Lastly, I invite you all to become more actively involved in our mission. Whether through ensuring that your membership is up to date, volunteering your time and skills, or providing financial support through one-time or monthly donations, your contribution will make a significant difference in preserving our rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Thank you again for your continued support, and I look forward to welcoming you at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada this fall. Together, let us embrace the changing season as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of Ukrainian culture everywhere.
Jen Budney, Director
Ukrainian Museum of Canada