Kelowna’s Ukrainian community celebrates Independence Day
Global News
"Every day, every moment, every time we are thinking about Ukraine because our life in Ukraine was very good."
Today is Ukrainian Independence Day commemorating 31 years ago when Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union. Today also marks six months since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This day has added significance for those who fled the war.
Tatiana Koeptes moved to Kelowna four months ago with her two kids. She says since she got here, the community has been very helpful to her and her family and she has been embracing Canadian culture. But that doesn’t stop her from thinking about her home country.
“Every day, every moment, every time we are thinking about Ukraine because our life in Ukraine was very good and Ukraine last year was very developed,” said Koeptes.
Koeptes has been taking English classes and helping other Ukrainians who have come to Canada. She says she couldn’t imagine still being in Ukraine with her kids.
“Families with small kids, I can’t right now. It’s impossible because the schools are closed and the danger is everywhere in West Ukraine or East Ukraine. It’s impossible.”
Kelowna’s Ukrainian community is celebrating independence day, however, this year’s celebrations are very different. The war has redefined the meaning of independence for Ukrainians.
It’s a fresh slate, with several new faces taking a seat in Henry Baker Hall to form Regina’s city council for the next four years.
On Tuesday, Prairie Harm Reduction announced it would stay open 24/7 for the next week to offer people a warm safe place until the city’s plan took effect.
The competition watchdog said Wednesday that the ongoing investigation into the Canadian furniture retailers looks at three kinds of marketing practices.
The $7.28 billion budget unveiled by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante includes a promise to increase the city's housing department budget by $100 million over the next three years.
The union representing port supervisors in British Columbia is challenging the legal and constitutional authority of the federal labour minister to order them back to work.
Randy Boissonnault is out of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet after months of controversy surrounding his former business.
A volunteer group has donated $60,000 to KHSC’s KidsInclusive as it winds down after 119 years, ensuring support for children’s care over the next five years.
Queen’s University will install North America’s first carbon-sequestering field turf at Nixon Field, enhancing sustainability while supporting sports and research.
Gerry Lichty, North Frontenac mayor, was elected 2025 Frontenac County warden. He aims to tackle rural challenges, with Bill Saunders as deputy warden.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the Sûreté du Québec, the province's police force, will 'conduct visual investigations at the borders.'
When people pass by the white-pillared Beaverbrook Art Gallery starting this weekend, they will be greeted by one of Fredericton's most famous sculptures.