Province proclaims 2016 the year of Saskatchewan Ukrainians

This is the year of Saskatchewan Ukrainians.

Settlers from Ukraine helped build our province.- Premier Brad Wall

Premier Brad Wall has announced that 2016 will be the year of Saskatchewan immigrants. The province is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada.

"Ukrainian culture and traditions are deeply embedded in the Saskatchewan mosaic," Wall said in a news release."Settlers from Ukraine helped build our province, bringing to their new home what our motto proudly proclaims: 'From Many Peoples, Strength.'Those traditions manifest themselves today in countless community celebrations, in educational programs, and in the longstanding relationship Saskatchewan enjoys with Ukraine."

Ukrainians still arriving

According to the provincial government, more than 13 per cent of Saskatchewan residents can trace part or all of their ancestry to Ukraine.Immigration from Ukraine continues today, with the country ranking fourth on the list of where newcomers arrive from.

The proclamation serves as a launch for anniversary celebrations that will happen across the province and the rest of the country.

Ukrainians will also celebrate Christmas this week. Ukrainians and Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January the 7th.