Life Goes On is the theme of a special event this evening in St. John’s to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This evening’s event at the Convention Centre in St. John’s will open with an exhibition of work by photographer Oleksandr Naselenko. The heroine of the photo essay, “Adamivna,” is the head of the village of Partizanske, and it tells the story of the war in Ukraine through the tragic events surrounding one person.
Photo via UNFAvalon
Executive Director of the Ukrainian National Avalon Branch, Bruce Lilly, says they’ll also be screening a preview of Brian O’Dea’s new documentary on the resilience of Ukrainian women and amputees.
“There’s a focus on women and there’s a focus on amputees as well, which they call ‘superhuman.’ There’s a Superhuman centre in Ukraine that is doing work in the middle of the war,” an element that is also highlighted in the film.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Ukraine as the leader of the G7 to discuss ongoing developments and dramatic shifts in international policy. Lilly says the Ukrainian community has long been appreciative of Canada’s support.
Photo via CPAC
“Canada has always been a very strong supporter of Ukraine and Ukrainians. Obviously, Ukrainians have been coming here for more than a hundred years, they’ve helped shape the fabric of Canada,” says Lilly, “and this weekend there were over 50 peaceful demonstrations across the country” commemorating the 3rd anniversary of the Russian invasion. “I think that there’s no misapprehension or misunderstanding about where Canada stands with Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian National Avalon Branch is hosting this evening’s event, and they are inviting anyone who wishes to join them to come out.
The event gets underway this evening at 7:00 at the St. John’s Convention Centre.
