Released on November 20, 2018
Today, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Greg Ottenbreit, joined with members of Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian community in a service to remember those who perished during the Ukraine famine in 1932-33.“Eighty-five years ago, millions of Ukrainians lost their lives in a senseless act of brutality,” Ottenbreit said. “Today we remember the pain and suffering of those lost, many of them children and honour the survivors. Recognizing Holodomor ensures we learn from history so this never happens again.”
The memorial service was held in conjunction with Holodomor Memorial Week, November 19 to 25. 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 1932-33, the Soviet Union imposed a man-made famine, killing 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.
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 Memorial Day is recognized on the fourth Saturday of November and this year falls on November 24.
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For more information, contact:
Jamie Fischer
Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5174
Email: jamie.fischer@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-8730