A display showcasing 125 years of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, which has been making it's way around the province, opened at the library earlier this week.

Co-organizer of Ukrainian anniversary activities, Tess Achtemichuk gave an introduction to the display.

"It was commissioned by the Ukrainian-Canadian congress in Winnipeg and it is making it's way around the province to many different events that are also celebrating this event. It was in Dauphin already, it's been to Selkirk and Winnipeg has had it at several of their events as well."

Achtemichuk explained the Ukrainian settlers faced many hardships, from lack of farm tools and less than fertile land, to cold winters.

"The hardships were extreme but the persevered. Persevered because they knew there would be a better life for their children here in Canada. So this display really honours those first pioneers that came out and struggled, but they also accomplished and contributed to Canada."

Sonia Bereza came to Canada with her family after the second world war and shared some of her experiences farming beets in the Portage area.

"We made it and we thank Canada for giving us a place and welcoming us and we appreciate it. [Canada] gave us freedom."

On behalf of the Ukrainian anniversary committee Achtemichuk thanked the library for hosting the display.