Today, together with the Ukrainian community, we gathered near the Taras Shevchenko monument in Ottawa to pay tribute to Ukraine’s greatest poet and national bard.

Two hundred and ten years have passed since his birth, yet under the Ukrainian sun, the words of the Kobzar remain alive — words of profound, undying love for his people and homeland.

Every word of Shevchenko feels as if it was written for today. His works help us reflect on the past and envision the future.
It is in Shevchenko that we now seek support, inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual strength.

Taras Shevchenko never set foot in Canada, yet across this country, Ukrainians have immortalized his memory in monuments, parks, squares, and streets. Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal — it was in Canada, over 60 years ago, that the first Shevchenko monument in the Americas was erected.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, Yuliya Kovaliv, and UCC National - Ukrainian Canadian Congress Executive Director Ihor Michalchyshyn addressed the Ukrainian community with heartfelt remarks.

Artem Harbuz, a fifth-grade student at the Ukrainian School in Ottawa, recited the Kobzar’s most famous poem, Testament (Zapovit), a poignant reminder of Shevchenko’s call to action and his unwavering belief in Ukraine’s bright future.