WHITEHORSE, YT – Dozens of Yukoners came out to stand in solidarity with Ukraine at a candlelight vigil in Whitehorse’s Veterans Square, on the evening of Tuesday, February 25th. It was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Association of Yukon to mark the 3 year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022.
Yukon MP Brendan Hanley provided the opening remarks, noting that while Ukrainians fight for their freedom, they’re also fighting to preserve democracy itself.
‘In these years we’ve witnessed, amidst the devastation, incredible courage, resilience, and yes, sacrifice, from the Ukrainian people. They fought not only for their freedom, but for the very values that bind all of us together: freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.’ – Yukon MP Brendan Hanley
Members of the UCAY had also spoke at the vigil, including a rendition of the poem ‘My Testament’ by Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, delivered passionately by UCAY board member Grant Zazula.
UCAY board member Lesia Hnatiw also spoke, reminding the gathered crowd of genocidal actions taking place against Ukrainians in Ukraine’s occupied regions, and of how the Canadian parliament itself voted unanimously to recognize acts of genocide against Ukrainian people carried out by Russia.
“There can be no compromise with genocide. Canada’s Parliament has unanimously recognized that the Russian Federation is committing acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people. In Ukrainian cities and towns under occupation, Russia tortures and executes Ukrainian civilians. Russian soldiers are raping Ukrainian women and children. Russia is abducting Ukrainian children and forcing them into re-education camps. Russia is trying to erase the Ukrainian identity, and culture of a generation of Ukrainian children.’ – Lesia Hnatiw, UCAY board member
Members of the Yukon Government were also in attendance, including Minister Nils Clarke, NDP leader Kate White, and Yukon party MLA Brad Cathers. Minister Clarke and MLA White both spoke on the devastation wrought by three years of conflict in Ukraine, and the unwavering support shown to Ukrainians on behalf of Canadians.
