The Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society continues its series on Ukrainian history, with a presentation on the second and third waves of Ukrainian immigration into Canada.
In Search of a Better Life, Part 2 takes place at the
in Room B (second floor) at the Comox Community Centre, 1855 Noel Ave., Comox on June 13, at 7 p.m. Ryan Blaak, the chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at North Island College, will be the presenter.
In Search of a Better Life, Part 2 will begin with a brief recap of Part 1, the First Wave of Ukrainian immigration to Canada (1891-1914) that will consider internal Canadian factors that brought Ukrainians to the “Last Best West.”
In Part 2, participants will gain a greater understanding of the key reasons families left Ukraine in the second (1919-1939) and the third (1945-1990) waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. This entails considering the far-reaching global geopolitical effects of the First World War, the interwar period, the Second World War, and the Cold War era, not only within Ukraine but also in relation to immigration trends and priorities in Canada.
Participants will have an opportunity to build a foundational understanding of the historical forces that shaped and impacted the differing waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. This basis will help to build a further understanding about why families left Ukraine, why they settled where they did in Canada, and what contributed to their experience as newcomers in their new homeland.
A final hope is that participants will continue to grow in their understanding of what it means to be a hyphenated Canadian as the process of shaping the culture of Canada continues. Your participation through your family’s stories is encouraged.
Dors open at 6:45 and admission is free to members of the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society. For non-members, admission is by donation at the door, with all proceeds going to Ukrainian newcomers to the Comox Valley.