Supporters of Ukraine hit the streets of downtown Ottawa on Jan. 19 to celebrate the Ukrainian Day of Unity — marking the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.
Dozens of community members ventured across Laurier Avenue Bridge, interlocking hands to create a unity chain while waving Ukrainian flags, before heading down below to the frozen Rideau Canal.
Many participants wore Ukrainian yellow and blue and carried signs with messages of national support. Others held Canadian flags as a nod to the nation for its solidarity amid the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022.
Marichka Bokovnia, a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), said the support for Ukraine was incredibly moving.
“As a newcomer from Ukraine, I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to have a strong, united community advocating for our country,” she said. “This event was a powerful way to showcase our unity, even far from home.”
The event’s planning was led by Ukrainian youth in Ottawa with support from UCC National, UCC Ottawa, Cafe Ukraine Ottawa, the uOttawa Ukrainian Students’ Club and the Canadian Embassy of Ukraine.
“Raising a 30-metre flag on the Rideau Canal and forming a human chain symbolized not just our solidarity, but also our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s freedom,” Bokovnia said.
She said the UCC will be holding more events like the demonstration, including a demonstration for the third anniversary of the conflict, which is on Feb. 24.
“It’s such an unprecedented and bad time for Ukraine, and it’s so important that we keep standing with them and showing our support — even when we’re here in Canada. It helps spread the word,” Thorne said.
“This was an unexpected thing to see downtown, but it’s a nice surprise. Seeing people come together to support others in need is always nice.”
The UCC urged Canadians to join local events, share messages of solidarity on social media and stand united with Ukraine in a statement on its website.
Unity Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the shared values of liberty and justice that bind people together, the UCC added.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed these sentiments in his own statement on Jan. 22.
He reflected on the resilience of Ukrainians as the three-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, and praised their unwavering spirit and affirmed Canada’s support, stating that Ukraine will remain free and independent.
Trudrau also reaffirmed solidarity with both the Ukrainian people and the more than one million Ukrainian-Canadians, wishing for Ukraine’s sovereignty to remain strong.
“Canada will always be there for our Ukrainian friends,” Trudeau said.
Featured Image provided by Maryna Shum.
