Saskatchewan Remembers the Holodomor with a Special Service

Released on November 23, 2021

Today, during a commemoration, Legislative Secretary Responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Terry Dennis joined with members of Saskatchewan's Ukrainian community, for a tribute to those who perished during the Ukraine famine in 1932-1933.

"The senseless Holodomor genocide that took place nearly 90 years ago cannot be forgotten," Dennis said. "It is important that we take the time each year to honour those who suffered and those who perished in the horrific tragedy."

The commemoration was held in conjunction with Holodomor Memorial Week, November 22 to 28. A memorial candle was lit and will remain lit during Holodomor Memorial Week to show unity with those around the world marking the Holodomor genocide.

In 1932-1933, the Soviet Union imposed a man-made famine that led to the deaths of up to 10 million people. Despite the record grain harvest, crops were confiscated and regulations were imposed preventing people from leaving their communities in search of food. Holodomor means "extermination by hunger" in Ukrainian.

As a permanent reminder of the tragedy, an exact copy of the statue entitled "Bitter Memories of Childhood" by sculptor Preto Drozdowsky, was officially dedicated on the park ground of Wascana Centre in 2015.

The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan was the first jurisdiction in North America to recognize this genocide with the passing of The Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act in 2008.

International Holodomor Day is recognized on the fourth Saturday of November and this year falls on November 27.

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