Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies

The monthly lecture series runs from September until May. Lectures cover a wide range of Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadians topics. Viewing lectures on YouTube after the session has taken place will not count towards the minimum requirements.

Reading club meetings take place every two months featuring a new Ukrainian/ Ukrainian Canadian book at each session.

Entrance Requirements:
Any individual that resides in Canada who is interested in Ukraine or Ukrainian Canadiana is welcome to pursue the Letter of Participation in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies. Expressions of interest can be submitted to cucs@umanitoba.ca and will be reviewed by the CUCS Coordinator. See "registration".

Participation Requirements:
To be eligible to obtain the letter of participation, participants are required to attend either:

• a minimum of seven lectures
• a minimum of seven reading club meetings
• any combination of seven lectures and reading club meetings.

There is no registration deadline. Participants are welcome to join the program at any point in time during the year. Participants may carry over their participation credits from one year to the next to be able to fulfill the participation requirements.

The program is free of charge.

Performance Requirements:
Participants will be evaluated based on attendance. Participation in the discussions and Q & A sessions is recommended.

Email cucs@umanitoba to register for the program. Provide your:

• name
• email address
• mailing address
• when you would like to start the program

There is no registration deadline. Participants are welcome to join the program at any point in time during the year. Participants may carry over their participation credits from one year to the next to be able to fulfill the participation requirements.

View recordings of past lectures on YouTube

Books we have read in the program:

• October 2024: Sons of the Soil by Illia Kiriak
• March 2024: All of Baba's Children by Myrna Kostash
• December 2023: Kalyna's Song by Lisa Grekul
• October 2023: Without the State: Self Organization and Political Activism in Ukraine by Emily Channell Justice
• April 2023: The Torture Camp on Paradise Street by Stanislav Aseyev
• March 2023: The Extraordinary Lives of Ukrainian Canadian Women: Oral Histories of the Twentieth Century by Iroida Wynnyckyj
• December 2022: Good Citizens Need Not Fear: Stories by Maria Reva
• October 2022: A Loss: The Story of a Dead Soldier Told by his Sister by Olesya Khromeychuk
• April 2022: Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich
• February 2022: Detachment: An Adoption Memoir by Maurice Mierau
• December 2021: Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan
• October 2021: Lesia's Dream by Laura Langston

Selection criteria

To apply for the Vitaly Butenko Assistance Award you must:

• Be a citizen of Ukraine.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate program.
• Be enrolled in the Faculty of Management, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Arts (Economics), Faculty of Science, or MBA at the University of Manitoba.
• Have demonstrated financial need.

Your application must consist of the following:

1. A UM general bursary application.
2. A resume.
3. A statement of future goals related to the field of study you have elected.

Submission deadline: August 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk Scholarship in Ukrainian Studies

In memory of Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk—Steve Dawyduk and UM have set up a scholarship fund to recognize and encourage academic achievement in undergraduate Canadian Ukrainian Studies.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk Scholarship in Ukrainian Studies you must:

• Be a full-time student in any Faculty or School at the University of Manitoba.
• Have completed at least one year of study.
• Have achieved the highest grade point average on at least 12 credit hours of courses with significant Ukrainian cultural content and/or Ukrainian Canadian content, in fields such as history, political studies, Slavic studies and Ukrainian studies, and based first on courses within the Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies program.

Your application must consist of the following:

1. A brief statement of your interest in the field
2. A current academic transcript
3. A letter of reference from a professor at a post-secondary institution

A recipient of the scholarship may hold the award only once.

Submission deadline: July 1 annually

Application can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Michael and Grace Hykawy Essay Prize

The Michael and Grace Hykawy prize is awarded annually for the best essay written in Ukrainian on any topic in the area of Ukrainian Canadian Studies.

Selection criteria

• One essay, 2,000-2,500 words in length
• Applicant must be a registered, full-time student at a recognized Canadian university or college
• Preference is given to candidates that have been registered in the Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies program, Faculty of Arts, UM in the previous academic session 

The winning essay is submitted to a local publication for possible publication.

Submission deadline: July 1 annually 

All essays, together with a letter from the student describing their academic status (i.e., program, year, university), should be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Anne Smigel Scholarship

With a personal donation and additional contribution from the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, Anne Smigel has established a fund at UM. The fund commemorates Ms. Smigel’s lifetime devoted to education, including ten years as a classroom teacher, nine years as a resource teacher and 25 years as an elementary school principal. Ms. Smigel was the first Canadian-born woman of Ukrainian origin to be appointed to the position of principal in the Winnipeg School Division No. 1. The purpose of the fund is to encourage and reward students at UM who pursue studies in and develop their knowledge of Ukrainian heritage in Canada.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Anne Smigel Scholarship you must:

• Have completed at least 30 credit hours at UM, in any faculty or school (undergraduate or graduate) or in university 1.
• Be enrolled in any faculty or school or in university 1.
• Have completed at least one course (3 credit hours) in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies.
• Have achieved a high cumulative grade point average (a minimum of 3.0).
• Be enrolled, as a full or part-time student, in at least one course (3 credit hours) in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies in the year in which this scholarship is tenable, in any faculty or school at UM.
• Exemplify an interest and promise in the study of Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies, as demonstrated by a combination of a statement of purpose from the applicant and a letter of reference.

Your application must consist of the following:

1. A brief statement of your interest in the study of Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies and the reasons as to why you are interested in this particular area
2. A current academic transcript
3. A letter of reference from a professor at a post-secondary institution and
4. Plans for courses in next academic year

At a time when the earnings on the fund permit, two or more scholarships may be offered, upon the discretion of the selection committee.

Submission deadline: July 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

The Ukrainian National Home Association Scholarship recognizes and encourages student who's studies focus on Ukrainian Canadian or Ukrainian studies.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Ukrainian National Home Association Scholarship you must:

• Be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program a UM.
• Have achieved either: As an undergraduate student, a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; or as a graduate student, a minimum grade point average of 3.5 based on the last 60 credit hours of study (or equivalent).
• Preference will be given, in the following order, to students conducting research related to: i. the Ukrainian National Home movement in Winnipeg or in Western Canada; ii. other Ukrainian organizations with a particular emphasis on Canada and/or Ukraine; and iii. a topic in any discipline, the primary focus of which is either Ukrainian Canadian or Ukrainian Studies.

Your application must consist of the following:

• A copy of your most recent academic transcript
• A statement of interest
• The names of two references

Submission deadline: July 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Steve and Anna Zurawecki Fellowship

In memory of their son, Michael, who died of leukemia in 1989 at the age of 63, Steve and Anna Zurawecki of The Pas, Manitoba, have established a fund at UM.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Steve and Anna Zurawecki Fellowship you must:

• Be a full-time graduate student in a Ukrainian Canadian Studies program at a recognized Canadian university or college.
• Be a postdoctoral fellow associated with the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies at UM who is engaged in research in the area of Ukrainian Canadian Studies.

Your application must consist of:

• Proposed plans of study or research
• Transcripts
• Evidence of acceptance into a graduate program
• Resume
• The names of three references

Submission deadline: May 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Participant backgrounds

Unlike earlier migration patterns when most participants moved from the West of Ukraine, participants in this study came from a variety of regions with different socio-economic backgrounds and a variety of previous travel experiences, from none to extensive. Participants all had obtained some post-secondary qualifications from trade school diplomas to PhDs.

Reasons for immigrating to Canada

Driving factors for immigration varied from searching for better economic opportunities, dissatisfaction with political development in Ukraine, environmental concerns, and avoiding mandatory army conscription, to difficulties in finding a sense of belonging in their home country and fascination with the idea of life in North America. Nine out of thirty-three participants arrived in Canada to pursue education and then decided to stay. Some people had multiple reasons for coming to Canada; however, economic security and sense of stability was a combined leading factor along with improving education and seeking adventure or personal growth. Based on the thirty-three interviews, we theorize that the overpowering sense of lack of security (economic and otherwise) and structure was among the largest contributing factors that drove many of the interviewees towards actual immigration.

Surprises and challenges on arrival

Most people expressed that their level of English had not been as helpful as they had hoped, even if it was very good on arrival. Nor did money go as far as anticipated with things like housing, utilities, and transportation being surprisingly expensive. Most people were disappointed with the initial employment they were able to secure, despite many having good employment and work experience in Ukraine. Still, they took on extra study or work for Canadian experience and moved up. People mentioned that they were also surprised at the poverty and homelessness lived by some Canadians, as well as the realization that so much work needs to be done for reconciliation with Indigenous people. Some commented on the surprise and enjoyment of the multicultural aspects of Canada. Almost all people mentioned that food does not taste as good in Canada with overall less farm to table accessibility.

Hopes and Dreams

All participants hoped that Ukraine will become self-sufficient and strong, with a true, unique, Ukrainian identity. All believed that this work is presently in progress and all but one was certain it will happen in time. Participants said these changes will require an end to corruption, government truly investing in the people, clear and enforced legislation, and a willingness on the part of citizens to accept divergent opinions and histories in their homeland.

When speaking of their families and their futures, people wanted economic and emotional security, as well as room for growth and attainment of personal and professional goals in their new country. People hoped for continued democratic growth and support of citizens through good economic policies while some mentioned a need make the education system more stringent, and to provide better healthcare for all. Many highlighted the need for both genuine reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and concrete social services for children and families.

We were surprised to learn that, while people want family members to visit and family members would like more streamlined access to visit family in Canada, only four participants mentioned family members considering a move to Canada. However, family members continue to provide much appreciated emotional support from afar. This reality of distance and the need to give up one national identity to take on another made it doubly hard for some who came to Canada just to study, then met someone special, married, and in doing so had to make that final reality-based choice between new family in Canada and family still residing in Ukraine.

People also spoke about their own contributions to their new home. In addition to the hard work all invest for themselves and family, all but one person spoke about the need to volunteer their energies and talents in community. Many also mentioned the importance of connecting with community, to learn more about other cultures co-existing in Canada.

What gets people through hard times. Participants shared that they saw the challenges they faced upon immigration as mostly positive, though somewhat complicated. Essentially, it was a “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” attitude bundled with sheer determination that got them through, along with relational support, partially from family directly (financial, emotional) both in Canada and in Ukraine, and indirectly through the familial and cultural values they brought with them. They identified hope for the future as a motivator as well as sometimes more specific spiritual beliefs. Many mentioned that in hard moments it helped to remind themselves that they had carefully weighed their options before making a conscious choice to move to Canada. Participants noted they had been taught to be self-sufficient and determined. While mostly helpful, sometimes this worked to participants’ detriment. At times they felt isolated until they realized that not only was it acceptable to ask for help, it was also important. In this way, their community involvement also grew. Many mentioned specifically how important it was to branch out beyond the diaspora, though that community is greatly valued. We noticed that even though people did not usually mention humour, their shared observations were often wry and witty. We think this humour also helps people through.

Finally, when asked if any advice could be offered to others considering the move, the short answer was provided in summary. We were told, it is important for people to listen to their hearts while thinking carefully about what they want and what they are willing to invest. Further paraphrasing several participants, we were told people should learn the language and be prepared to work hard, willing to get even more education as needed. People should be prepared to learn about other cultures, get involved in community and, if there is a desire to keep Ukrainian cultural traditions, then invest time and energy. Be prepared to have a rough couple of years of adjustment at first. Keep reminding yourself of the decisions you have made and keep going.

Video Presentation of the Original Findings: Session 3: Spaces of Negotiation: Dr. Maureen Flaherty & Yuliia Ivaniuk on Vimeo

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