Memorial of Holodomor in Kyiv. (Photo 23827804 © Natalkaprague | Dreamstime.com)

By Ian Gustafson

Historical Reflection

Holodomor Memorial Day: A time to reflect on victims of genocide and famine

Nov 27, 2021 | 5:30 PM

Today marks Holodomor Memorial Day, which is a time to remember and commemorate the Ukrainian people who were victims of genocide and famine between 1932 – 1933.

Lusi Wells with the Veselka Prince Albert and District Ukrainian Culture and Heritage Club explained during the Soviet Union government in Ukraine caused mass starvation among its people.

“The government decided it’s more important to show how much harvest we can collect versus to leave some for people to eat. So, at that time of showing off people just starved, and government took all the harvest,” she said.

Wells also added it’s important for people to know not only were the Ukrainian people impacted during that time but many other nations including Russians and Belarussians suffered.

“Some people have a retrospection it’s Russian against Ukrainian is what happened in the past and it’s why people died but I think it’s most important people need to understand it was the Soviet Union government against all the people. Just because there’s no explanation because [Joseph] Stalin wasn’t a reasonable person,” Wells said.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also released a statement on Holodomor Memorial Day encouraging Canadians to honour the victims and to reflect on contributions Ukrainian Canadians have made in the past and continue to make.

“Today, we join Ukrainian communities in Canada and around the world to remember the millions of innocent victims who suffered or lost their lives during the Holodomor,” he said.

“Despite the brutality of the Holodomor, Ukrainians persevered. The resilience of the Ukrainian people and the survival of their culture, language, and identity is a testament to their courage and strength. After decades of Soviet control and oppression, Ukraine regained its independence in 1991.”

He added for too long the reality of the mass killing was hidden and denied and that it’s up to Canadians to not let it be forgotten and to defend democracy when it’s under attack.

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-With files from Derek Craddock

Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12