UNF Edmonton Branch
From its very beginning the cultural aspect of the organization was in the forming of choral groups, Ukrainian dance instruction and theatre. This has played an important role in retaining the Ukrainian culture in the community. Three outstanding ensembles in our city were founded by the members of the UNF and UNYF; internationally known ensembles, the Ukrainian Dnipro Choir of Edmonton, the Shumka Dancers and the Cheremosh Dance Ensemble.
Presently the three organizations UNF, UWO and UNYF are sponsoring the “Suzirya” Ukrainian Drama Ensemble and the “Dzerelo” Ukrainian Children’s Drama Studio. These three organizations hold various events such as cultural displays, concerts, workshops with children and adults, film nights and socials. The UNF has a library consisting of over 600 books and a collection of over 100 Ukrainian films.
Our address:
10629-98 St.
Edmonton, AB
T5H 2N6
Canada
History of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada
The Ukrainian National Federation is a national organization established in Edmonton, July 19, 1932. The organization has its roots in the Ukrainian War Veterans’ Association. However, the Ukrainian community felt a need for an organization of a general, nationalistic character- one which could encompass all Ukrainians who were conscious of their heritage.
Although the organization had the greatest appeal for Ukrainians who had immigrated to Canada during the interwar period, UNF had success in drawing the Canadian born into its ranks. It grew throughout the 1930s and 1940s and eventually established 92 branches, with major bases of strength in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. It didn’t take long to organize an affiliate: the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (UWO) and, somewhat later, the Ukrainian National Youth Federation (UNYF). In 1930 the UNF printed its official newspaper the New Pathway.
Objectives of the UNF and our credo
- To unite all Ukrainian Canadians, regardless of their political, religious or other beliefs;
- To promote good Canadian citizenship;
- To strengthen and expand of their political, religious or other beliefs;
- To promote the place of the Ukrainian community in Canadian society;
- To serve Ukrainian Canadian community by representing its common interests, protecting its reputation and to be wellspring out of which the best of our rich cultural heritage will flow into Canada;
- To inform fellow Canadians about Ukrainian history and culture and promote accurate information about Ukraine;
- To support constructively the independence of Ukraine.
UNF Aims
The UNF is dedicated in the preservation of Ukrainian-Canadian history and Ukrainian cultural heritage. It strives to unite Ukrainian Canadians regardless of their Christian religious denominations or democratic political beliefs to strengthen the Ukrainian community, promote citizenship within a multicultural society and support a free and democratic Ukraine.
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