Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The 34 th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence was honoured on August 22 with an evening of
culture, community and reflection at Maison du Citoyen. Organized by OSUDemocracy under
the theme “C’est Kyiv en français”, the celebration brought together artists, civic leaders and
members of the Ukrainian diaspora. Featuring a Toronto-based art exhibition, musical
performances in multiple languages and speeches from officials, the evening affirmed a deep
sense of solidarity and showcased the enduring power of cultural expression in the face of
adversity.

Photo 1: Visual artists Maria Antonov and her goddaughter Marta Kolotylo travelled from Toronto
to take part in the celebration as members of the Literary and Artistic Association of Canada.
Their artwork, featured in the exhibition, explored themes of memory, displacement and
Ukrainian identity. Together, their intergenerational presence highlighted how cultural storytelling
continues through family, artistic mentorship and the preservation of heritage through visual
media. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Photo 2: Inna Suleimenova stands beside the official event poster that welcomed guests to the
evening. The display featured the theme “C’est Kyiv en français”, reflecting a broader campaign
to encourage the correct Ukrainian transcription of the capital city’s name. (TF) Photo: Tashi
Farmilo

Photo 3: Maria Derkacz, a retired visual arts teacher visiting from Winnipeg and Olya Moscicky
of Aylmer attended the event in support of Ukraine and the diaspora community. Their
participation underscored the far-reaching connections that unite Ukrainians across Canada. It
also reflected the role of community members, both local and national, in sustaining cultural
traditions through presence, education and solidarity. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Photo 4: Duke Fine Foods, founded by the Chyzhevskyi family in Ottawa, contributed to the
evening by supplying the buffet, presenter gifts and lottery prizes. Known for its refined selection
of European and locally sourced products, the business brought a taste of Ukrainian culinary
heritage to the gathering. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Photo 5: Performers Nigel E. Harris and Lyse M. Côté gave a heartfelt musical performance that
included Imagine by John Lennon, their original composition Mon Ciel Bleu , and the anthem
I Am Ukrainian Now . Sung in English, French and Ukrainian, the pieces captured the themes of
longing, hope and identity. Their voices brought emotional resonance to the evening, bridging
cultural and linguistic divides through shared feeling and artistic honesty. (TF)
Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Photo 6: The Honourable Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament, addressed the audience with a message of unwavering support for Ukraine. His speech acknowledged the hardships of war while affirming the importance of international ​solidarity and cultural visibility. He praised the role of events like this one in keeping awareness alive and building bridges between Canada and the Ukrainian people. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

Photo 7: Gilles Lagacé, representing Paroisse Saint-Matthieu of the Archdiocese of Gatineau,
offered a deeply moving reflection on the spiritual dimensions of solidarity. He shared how his
parish community has gathered weekly to pray for the people of Ukraine and raised funds in
their support. His remarks reminded the audience that meaningful connection can be forged
through quiet and consistent acts of compassion, and that faith continues to serve as a bridge
between communities across borders and languages. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo