November 28, 2020
Statement from Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox on Holodomor Memorial Day
Today, our government recognizes the 87th Anniversary of the Holodomor, the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide of 1932 to 1933, when wheat became a weapon in the Ukraine.
We must forever remember the millions of Ukrainian lives cut short by this artificial famine, where lands and crops were deliberately seized, leaving millions of men, women and their children without food or sustenance. At a time of peace, on fertile lands known as the breadbasket of Europe, millions of people slowly starved to death.
This week, the Ukrainian flag flew at half-mast on the grounds of Memorial Park to raise awareness and remember all those lives cut much too short.
For decades, the Holodomor went unrecognized and even denied, so we must continue to shine a light on the Holodomor. It is upon all of us to educate the next generation, our children and grandchildren to ensure this atrocity is never repeated.
Manitobans recognize the value of creating a compassionate society, rich with cultural diversity where all are welcomed to contribute. We appreciate that Manitoba’s unique and vibrant mosaic draws strength from its citizens, who represent over 200 ethnic origins and speak 150 different languages.
When we work together, we can build a better province where all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, culture, religion or racial background, have the freedom and opportunity to thrive.
While this year we are not able to gather together on the grounds of our beautiful Manitoba Legislative Building to light candles and offer our prayers at the ‘Bitter Memories of Childhood’ monument, I know we are all united in our thoughts as we remember and reflect on this very dark chapter in Ukrainian history.
On this solemn anniversary, I encourage people from across Manitoba to remember the victims of the Holodomor, and to honour the immense contributions our Ukrainian community have made in the establishment of our beautiful province.
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