A gathering is taking place at the Basilica in St. John’s this afternoon to mark what many consider to be an act of genocide against the people of Ukraine.

In 1932 and 33, the Soviet Government of Joseph Stalin imposed grain quotas on Ukraine—the bread basket of Eastern Europe—which caused widespread famine in the region, resulting in the deaths of millions of people.

Bruce Lilly of the Ukrainian Cultural Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador says the Holodomor—or death by famine—is recognized on November 26 after years of being covered up.

He says Canada formally recognized the event in recent years, and while many provinces have done the same, Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the last in Canada to pass a bill recognizing the last Saturday in November as a memorial to the tragedy.

A short service will be held this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. and all are welcome, residents can also show their support by lighting a candle in their window this evening.