UCC launches educational campaign for National Internment Commemoration Day

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is conducting its yearly awareness raising campaign among youth and children on government policies during World War I that placed Ukrainians and other Europeans in 24 internment camps. 

The UCC launched the traditional educational campaign on Oct. 28 when the nation observes National Internment Commemoration Day, honoring the forced relocation of Ukrainians and other Europeans in 1914-1920.

During that period, 8,579 Ukrainians and other Europeans – branded as “enemy aliens” due to their ties to the Central Powers –  were imprisoned across Canada, which was part of the Allied nations. 

Additionally, 80,000 individuals were forced to register as “enemy aliens,” carry identification, and report to local police. Many Ukrainians in Canada today are descendants of those who were interned.

“Men, women, and children suffered during Canada’s First National Internment Operations, not because of anything they had done but only because of where they had come from, who they were,” the UCC said. 

Thematic resources were developed for schools to incorporate in their curriculums. 

“This year our UCC National Internment Committee has expanded its Internment Education Campaign, encouraging the use of resources designed for both elementary and secondary students,” said Borys Sydoruk, Chair of the National Internment Commemoration Committee.

The package of educational materials are designed to help students understand the first national internment operations in Canada and are accessible via the provided link.

“We encourage all Canadians to mark this important day of commemoration in their communities,” said Sydoruk.

A list of events taking place in various cities across Canada was also compiled with more information available at the link.

In 2014, the Endowment Council of the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund and the UCC Internment Committee adopted resolutions designating Oct. 28 as National Internment Commemoration Day in Canada. 

“On this day, we remember the victims of this injustice. And we are united in our resolve to bring an end to prejudice and discrimination, wherever they may appear,” the UCC said.