Winter Lecture: Ukrainians in Saskatchewan: An Historical Overview

On Thursday, March 6, we were thrilled to host Dr. Nadya Foty-Oneschuk, Interim Director of the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage, for the third installment of the 2025 Winter Lecture Series “Ukrainians in Saskatchewan: An Historical Overview”. Nadya discussed the 7, often complicated waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada, and discussed their many contributions to Canada throughout the past 130 years.

During the lecture, Dr. Foty-Oneschuk also discussed the deep bonds that exist between Canada’s Indigenous and Ukrainian communities, and mentioned an Indigenous-owned business that sells kookum scarves – symbols of solidarity and resilience – with part of the proceeds going towards aid efforts in Ukraine. You can find their website at https://indigenousgifts.ca/.

Our board president, Jackie Smith, closed out the lecture with these words: “In closing, let us hold in our hearts the Ukrainian immigrants who, through resilience and determination, became an integral part of Regina’s rich tapestry. Their journey has been one of hardship and hope, of sacrifice and success. They have built homes, communities, and traditions that continue to shape our city’s identity. As we reflect on their contributions, let us honour their legacy by preserving their stories, celebrating their culture, and standing in solidarity with those who still seek refuge and new beginnings. Their strength is our strength, their history is our history, and their future is woven into the very fabric of Regina.”

Thank you to Kanuka Thuringer LLP for sponsoring this lecture.

Dr. Nadya Foty-Oneschuk delivers “Ukrainians in Saskatchewan: An Historical Overview” at the Artesian on 13th, as part of Heritage Regina’s 2025 Lecture Series: Stories of Immigration.