Downtown festival celebrates Ukrainian and First Nations relationship

The smell of perogies won’t be the only thing drawing people to downtown Regina this weekend, as a special celebration of Ukrainian culture kicks off in Victoria Park.
 
The Year of the Saskatchewan Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of 125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada.
 
“In response to the great honour that the government of Saskatchewan has shared with people of Ukrainian heritage in designating this special year, we thought we would have a great festival,” said Holly Paluck, an organizer for the event.
 
Hosted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Regina Branch, the event will not only showcase Ukrainian culture, but the relationship between Aboriginal and Ukrainian communities. 
 
“In a number of areas in the province, Ukrainian people and First Nations people lived in areas that were close to one another and there were a number of interactions between the two,” Paluck noted.
 
The day will feature events and entertainment that highlight the relationship, including storytelling opportunities, a drumming group, singers, cultural displays, a fashion show, and a cross-cultural round dance. 
 
“We thought a celebration that involves settlement and immigration simply must involve our First Nations people,” Paluck said. 
 
Paluck thinks the event will be a great way to share in the best of both cultures as people from around the world continue to be welcomed into Canada. 
 
“They’re learning about the past history of settlement and immigration and their connection to the land and the people that unite us all,” she said.   
 
The event will run from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. in Victoria Park.