Lethbridge's Ukrainian community marks Independence Day amid ongoing war
The Rushnyk Ukrainian Association held its annual celebration at Festival Square as members reflected on the continuing conflict overseas.
Lethbridge's Ukrainian community gathered at Festival Square on Saturday for its annual Independence Day celebration, ahead of Ukraine's official Independence Day on Monday, August 24th.
The event was organized by the Rushnyk Ukrainian Association, based in Lethbridge. Group president and founder Madina Kononenko said the celebration aims to bring Ukrainian culture to southern Alberta while reminding people that Ukraine continues to fight for its independence, which it gained 35 years ago through difficult circumstances.
Kononenko said she formed the association to support refugees fleeing Ukraine, helping them build a network as they adjusted to life in Canada. The group's name, Rushnyk, refers to a linen or cotton cloth used in traditional Ukrainian weddings to ceremonially bind a couple together.
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