Holodomor Day: Regina remembers victims of past and present Ukrainian genocide

A special service was held Tuesday at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in memory of the lives lost in Ukraine’s famine 90 years ago.

In 1932 and 1933 Ukraine experienced an artificial famine as a result of poor control of agricultural production by the Soviet Union.

Crops were confiscated from farmers and regulations were imposed to forbid people from leaving their communities in search of food. Millions of people died of hunger. “Holodomor” is the Ukrainian word for “extermination by hunger” and is used to denote the Day of Remembrance.

“The inexplicable tragedy of the Holodomor, the Great Famine, happened 90 years ago, but it must not be forgotten,” said Terry Dennis, MLA’s director of Saskatchewan-Ukrainian relations.

“We will be remembered and will work with our fellow Ukrainian heritage brethren in Saskatchewan to ensure that those who suffered and died during those tragic times remain forever in our memory.”

Elena Kruger, Speaker of the Ukrainian-Canadian Parliament in Saskatchewan, said current Russian actions were an extension of the Holodomor suppression.

“We see the actions of 90 years ago repeating themselves: grain from Europe’s bread baskets is being protected again from those who need it,” Krueger said. “The use of food as a weapon by the Russian Federation threatens global economic stability, contributes to price spikes and promotes hunger.”

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A Ukrainian refugee woman attended the ceremony and spoke about the current situation in Ukraine with the help of an interpreter.

“We’re out of gas and food,” she said. “From 6 hours she can stand in line for 12 hours and buy 20 liters of gas.”

When she left in March, most of the people lived in basements, forcing most of the citizens to drink the wastewater, as the ground was under constant fire.

A few hospitals remained. But she explained that most people in need of care were unable to get there due to lack of safe transportation.

“People die not only from bombs, but from disease, hunger and cold,” said her interpreter. “A humanitarian disaster is brewing. What is it, if not the 2022 Ukrainian Genocide?”

The ceremony concluded with the lighting of a memorial candle that remained lit throughout the week to represent unity with those who would mark the genocide of the Holodomor.

International Holodomor Day is officially recognized by countries on November 26th.

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