How Canada Helps Ukraine Preserve Its Traditions and Culture

The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is vast and diverse, with Banyaks playing a central role in preserving Ukrainian culture, language, and traditions. These individuals ensure that Ukrainian heritage is actively lived and passed on to future generations. 

They established Ukrainian newspapers, community-run bilingual schools, and monuments like the world’s largest Pysanka, all while maintaining strong ties to Ukraine and fully embracing their Canadian identity. Thanks to their contributions, the Ukrainian-Canadian community continues to thrive, staying deeply rooted in its heritage and integral to Canada’s broader multicultural fabric.

The term Banyak, meaning "glue," refers to individuals within the community who are dedicated to maintaining and passing down Ukrainian culture and language. These Banyaks are seen as the ones who hold the community together, ensuring that the Ukrainian identity remains strong and vibrant in Canada.

Canada has the second-largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world. Through six waves of immigration, Ukrainians have steadily shaped Canada’s cultural landscape. The first arrivals were in the late 1800s and continued through various political and economic turmoil periods. 

Each wave brought new generations with different experiences, from rural farmers to urban professionals. These contributed to the growth and diversification of the Ukrainian-Canadian symphony. Throughout this process, they’ve managed to preserve their cultural ties while adapting to and thriving in Canadian society.

The First Wave (1897–1914)

The first wave of Ukrainian immigration to Canada began in the late 19th century. Fleeing oppressive conditions and seeking better opportunities, many Ukrainians left behind unstable political, economic, and social environments. 

In their distinct ways, the Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires oppressed the native Ukrainians. Under Austro-Hungarian rule, they experienced political subjugation and economic hardship, with limited rights and opportunities in a feudal system. 

In contrast, those in the Russian Empire endured harsher cultural repression, as the Russian government sought to eliminate Ukrainian identity by suppressing the language, culture, and political autonomy.

An opportunity arose in Canada, where the government offered free land to those willing to cultivate it, Ukrainians took the chance and settled primarily in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. They established farming communities and laid the social, economic, and political foundations for the growing Ukrainian diaspora.

The Second Wave (1920-1939)

The second wave of Ukrainian immigration to Canada came in the interwar years when Eastern Europe was in chaos. Many Ukrainians, many from the western part of the country, suffered under Soviet rule and economic hardship and sought a better life across the ocean.

The bulk of this wave comprised agricultural workers looking for opportunities and a chance to escape the grip of the Soviet regime. They flooded into the Prairie provinces, setting up farming communities and sticking close to their root

The Third Wave (1945-1990)

After World War II, the third wave of Ukrainian immigration was fueled by the wreckage of war and the oppressive Soviet state. This was a group that had lived through some of the worst humanity had to offer—prisoners of war, refugees, forced laborers, and former UPA  soldiers who fought both the Soviets and Nazis.  

Many carried the effects of the Holodomor  and Stalinist genocide. Arriving in Canada, they weren’t just looking for a fresh start—they were determined to hold on to what was theirs. Across Canada, from the Prairies to the industrial cities, they planted roots, rebuilding their lives and pushing back against the erasure of their culture. 

The Fourth Wave (1991–2011)

In the 1980s, many Ukrainians made trips to Canada to visit family, and some took the opportunity to stay as refugees. But it was after Ukraine’s independence in 1991 that things shifted. Ukrainians gained the right to immigrate to Canada legally, and many jumped at the chance. 

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the criminal 90s had left a tough economic landscape at home, and Canada became a vector for opportunity. Unlike earlier waves, this group was often highly educated, with many holding degrees or technical expertise. 

Speaking English well gave them a leg up in finding jobs, and they quickly integrated into Canadian society, particularly in industrial centers. 

The fourth wave of Ukrainian immigrants, many of whom were highly educated or had technical expertise, found work in a wide range of fields, bringing valuable skills to Canada. Many took jobs in engineering, IT, healthcare, and education, where their qualifications and language skills gave them a competitive edge. Others found roles in trade, manufacturing, and construction, contributing to Canada's growing economy.

The Fifth Wave (2014-2018)

The fifth wave of Ukrainian immigration began after the Revolution of Dignity  (2013-2014), driven by a new generation seeking opportunities in an increasingly globalized world. Unlike previous waves, these immigrants weren’t escaping poverty—they were educated, fluent in English and other languages, and looking to grow professionally. 

Many were young professionals who saw Canada as a place to expand their careers and gain international experience. Some returned to Ukraine after a few years, while others continued to visit family and maintain strong ties to their homeland. 

The Sixth Wave (2022)

In 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 5 million Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes. Tens of thousands of civilians, primarily women and children, have arrived or are in the process of arriving in Canada, seeking safety and refuge. 

The support of the Canadian government, non-profits, and the Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora has been instrumental in helping these new arrivals find shelter, resources, and a sense of community. 

Several Canadian organizations played a crucial role in supporting Ukrainian refugees. The Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Help From Canada have been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid, organizing transportation, and ensuring a smooth resettlement process. 

Pathfinders for Ukraine has developed resources to assist newcomers with housing and employment, while the UNHCR and the Government of Canada have facilitated emergency travel and provided essential services.