The Grande Prairie Ukrainian community gathered on Saturday for Ukrainian Independence Day. The event included a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, musical performances, and a march through the downtown area. 

Independence Day of Ukraine is celebrated on August 24 in commemoration of the declaration of independence in 1991. 

“For Ukrainians, this day is both pride and pain, because freedom is still being defended at the cost of many lives,” said Yuliia Ternavshchenko,  Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Grande Prairie president. 

“It is a time to honour the many people throughout history who have made this freedom possible and the resilience of our Ukrainian community for continuing to celebrate, preserve and support Ukrainian culture, heritage and traditions,” said Clayton. 

After the flag-raising musical performances, including the Repin family performed.

Then the group marched through downtown Grande Prairie holding Canadian and Ukrainian flags.

“We build our lives here, we love Canada and call it our home, but we also carry Ukraine in our hearts, our children must know Ukrainian history, language and tradition,” said Ternavshchenko.

“Today is not just a holiday, it's our chance to say Ukraine lives, Ukraine will win, and Ukraine is not alone.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Kyiv on Sunday, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and spoke to the Ukrainian people. 

“Putin has caused this terrible tragedy that has claimed the lives of millions,” said Carney. 

“Putin menaces your skies, threatens your cities, destroys your fields. Putin has stolen your children. But Putin can be stopped.”