Ukrainian Canadian group fetes Krawetz
Over the course of his political career, former deputy premier Ken Krawetz helped to promote the contributions and challenges of Ukrainian Canadians to Saskatchewan. Those contributions will be recognized this weekend when Krawetz receives the Shevchenko medal. The medal is the highest form of recognition granted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
The medal came as a surprise for Krawetz, who will be attending the 25th Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians both as an awardee and as a speaker.
“I was surprised that a national organization was deeming me worthy of a prestigious award like that,” Krawetz said. “I was also very humbled and honoured to be considered for the award. I have been involved with the Ukrainian community for a long time, but there are many others in Saskatchewan who do great work.”
The congress, which runs all weekend, is happening for the first time in Saskatchewan, something Krawetz feels is very important.
“For Saskatchewan to receive the congress for the first time ever, it is indeed a testament to those who have worked so hard to recognize the dedication and commitment of the Ukrainians in the province,” he said. “We have many connected to the Ukrainian community and to this day, Ukraine still provides the fifth-most immigrants to Saskatchewan.”
This will also be the first time Krawetz has been able to attend the congress.
“I am looking forward to it. The convention has me as a presenter on Saturday and I will be talking about the role of government and its partnership with the Ukrainian community,” Krawetz said. “I know Saskatchewan people are involved in many aspects of Ukraine and I know there are people from Ukraine who want to learn more about Saskatchewan. I want to be a participant and a listener. I am looking forward to three great days.”
This is not the first time Krawetz has been recognized for his contribution to Ukrainian culture. In 2009, he was presented with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the highest honour that can be bestowed on a non-citizen of Ukraine. He received the award for his efforts to ensure the passage of the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide Act, and his promotion of awareness for the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor, a man-made famine that killed 2.5 to 7.5 million Ukrainians.
“We have come a long way from the interment of Ukrainian Canadians in the First World War. We had Ukrainian immigrants that were not always recognized for their potential. They were looked down upon,” Krawetz said. “Over the last number of years, I think because of the strong role of education in the upbringing of Ukrainian Canadians, that there has been tremendous opportunity for these hard-working people to do well.”
Krawetz feels that the immigration of Ukrainians, as well as other ethic groups, to Saskatchewan has made the province a better place.
“We are a better province because of multiculturalism and the contributions of many,” he said. “The Ukrainian population has taken the task to heart and contributed to our growth both financially and economically. Sylvia Fedoruk, a former lieutenant-governor, is just one of many who have contributed.”