Between 1932 and 1933, over 10 million people died in Ukraine at the hands of the Soviet government in the Holodomor Genocide by Famine. One of the largest and most effective genocides in recent history, the Holodomor is a very controversial issue for Ukrainians worldwide. Recently, the fight for recognizing the famine as genocide has gained a lot of ground. With the federal government of Canada passing the Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act, and organized commemoration events across the nation, more and more Canadians are becoming aware of one of the many tragedies hidden behind the iron curtain.
WHAT HAVE USOs ACROSS CANADA DONE?
USOs commemorate the Holodomor through various on-campus events such as exhibits in common student areas, using resources provided by SUSK and the Holodomor Education website.
Some USOs such as the one at Western University (seen below in the top-left corner) used the “Holodomor: Genocide by Famine” exhibit prepared by the League of Ukrainian Canadians. The exhibit consists of 100 posters (17”x11”) which contain information ranging from how the genocide was carried out and why, to the actions taken to keep it a secret.
If your USO would like to make arrangements for a “Holodomor: Genocide by Famine” exhibit from the League of Ukrainian Canadians, please contact SUSK’s Inclusion & Diversity Officer