🇺🇦 Honouring Ukraine’s Independence

Honouring Ukraine’s Independence

On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence as a free and sovereign nation. Thirty-four years later, Ukraine continues to uphold her sovereignty with resilience and dignity. This anniversary is both a celebration of freedom hard-won and a reminder of the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people. Today, we honour Ukraine’s past, celebrate its present, and commit ourselves to safeguarding its future.

Ukraine’s pursuit of freedom continues, carried by the unshakable spirit of our people. For centuries, Ukrainians have preserved their traditions and their enduring aspiration for self-determination. For those in Canada and across the diaspora, this is our legacy as well: we share in the pride of Ukraine’s independence and stand in solidarity with those defending it. Through community and remembrance, we keep Ukraine’s story alive far beyond its borders.

As a Canadian museum, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch is honoured to be part of this legacy. By caring for artifacts and voices of the past, we ensure that Ukraine’s story endures — and continues to inspire future generations in the ongoing pursuit of independence. Today, and every day, we #StandWithUkraine.

🇺🇦 Слава Україні! Героям слава! 🇺🇦

Above:
UMCO.1994.0040; Sadky, Chortkiv Raion, Ternopil' Oblast’, Ukraine; Donated by Anastasia Perozak This remnant from a boy’s sorochka (shirt), made between 1950–1952, showcases embroidery that defied Soviet restrictions. Side-by-side blue and yellow thread was strictly forbidden, and the Tryzub, a symbol of Ukrainian identity and resistance, was prohibited by the regime. While the shirt itself disintegrated over time, the embroidery endured – preserving this quiet act of defiance.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION

Kosiv Bazaar.
A living archive of the Carpathians
September 5, 2025 – March 2026

Kosiv Bazaar is an exhibition drawn from the collection of Leonard Kravchuk, inspired by the unique phenomenon of the Hutsul bazaar in Kosiv — a place where, for centuries, craft, community, and everyday life have intersected. More than a market, the Kosiv Bazaar is living memory, cultural force, and gathering space.

Guest curated by Myroslava Boikiv, the exhibition presents Kosiv ceramics, woodwork, brassware, and “all the small things” that capture the spirit of the bazaar. It explores themes of sustainable craft, inherited knowledge, local economy, and culture. From a clay pot to a woven rushnyk, from the shouts of sellers to quiet conversations between stalls — every object preserves traces of exchanged stories, shared goods, and collective memory.

Be the first to experience Kosiv Bazaar! Join us on Friday, September 5th at 7:00pm for an opening reception, Curator’s Tour, and a festive atmosphere.
620 Spadina Avenue, Toronto • Inside St.Volodymyr Institute
Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door | Youth 18 & under: Free

UPCOMING EVENTS

September is Ukrainian Heritage Month 🇺🇦
September 5 Kosiv Bazaar Exhibition Opening
September 7 Ukrainian Heritage Day 🇺🇦
September 12-14 Toronto Ukrainian Festival
September 25-28 Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of North America (UHCNA)
2025 Conference, Saskatoon

Sustain our legacy. Support the Museum.
Help support the preservation of Ukrainian culture in Canada.

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The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch is a member of the Canadian Museums Association and the Ontario Museum Association.