The Ukrainian community's celebrating its settlement to Canada today in Portage la Prairie. Mayor Irvine Ferris was with Ukrainian community representatives at City Hall this afternoon to raise the Ukrainian flag during Ukrainian week, on the day of their 25th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Ukrainian flag beside Canada and Manitoba flags"We're celebrating 125 years since the first wave of immigration when the Ukrainian community came to Portage. Since that time, Ukrainian people who have immigrated have contributed so much to our community in terms of having distinguished themselves in every aspect of Canadian life. They came here originally to do agriculture, and they did that and much more."

Ferris outlines the accomplishments of the community since their arrival.

"They brought music, and culture, and food, all those things, and made our City much richer culturally because they came here. They have made some big contributions to our community in the last 125 years. So, we're really celebrating that here today, and acknowledging that."

Co-organizer of Ukrainian anniversary activities Tess Achtemichuk outlines their history.

"It was really special and really moving. We've watched this flag not being used for so many years during the communist regime. When it did get raised again in Ukraine in 1991 it was just beautiful to have Ukrainians own masters and their own land again. And they were allowed to raise this beautiful flag on all their buildings."

(L-R) Genevieve Morris & Tess AchtemichukShe says Ukraine's gone through a lot of changes, including democratic and law court reform. Achtemichuk notes the Ukrainian language is now used once again in their institutions when only Russian was spoken before. She adds church attendance was allowed once again for worship without fear of losing their jobs, so they can baptize their children and hold  religious weddings. Achtemichuk says it took time, but their freedom and rights are much appreciated today. She says if Russia can only be kept out, things would remain fine.

Achtemichuk notes because Ukraine is fighting to keep their borders intact, the Canadian descendents of the immigrants are helping by having an online Ukrainian Amps website, and letting their people know they're here for them.

They're holding a banquet on September 18th to further celebrate their heritage.