To designate every third Thursday in May Vyshyvanka Day throughout Canada

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PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED

 

We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

 

Whereas:

• From time immemorial, an embroidered shirt known as Vyshyvanka was not only a part of the wardrobe for Ukrainians, but a unique guard. People believe that it is possible to embroider a shirt with a bright fate, health, and prosperity;

• Under the Soviet regime Vyshyvanka was prohibited as an element of national identity;

• During the Holodomor and World Wars, Vyshyvanka helped Ukrainian families to survive;

• Since Stalin era and even today, Russian propaganda tries to discredit Ukrainian Vyshyvanka;

• In 2007, Ukrainian students founded Vyshyvanka Day in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, designed to preserve an embroidered shirt as a unique cultural material and spiritual heritage of Ukrainians;

• In 2010, Vyshyvanka Day was celebrated all around Ukraine;

• Same year, Ukrainian Members of Parliament wore the embroidered shirts in the Chamber to commemorate the Vyshyvanka Day;

• In 2014, Ukrainians in more than 50 countries, including Canada, celebrated Vyshyvanka Day;

• Same year, Chernivtsi City Council designated Vyshyvanka Day as a legal municipal holiday;

• In 2015, Ukrainian communities in 70 countries were united by Vyshyvanka Day;

• In 2016, Vyshyvanka Association as a representative of the World Vyshyvanka Day organizing committee was founded in Canada;

• Same year, Canadian Members of Parliament wore embroidered shirts on Vyshyvanka Day in the House of Commons Chamber;

• In 2018, Vyshyvanka Day was celebrated all around Canada and on all continents including Antarctica;

• Every year, thousands of Ukrainian-Canadians celebrate Vyshyvanka Day to show that an embroidered shirt is their national genetic code, a symbol of the struggle for independence, a symbol of dignity, love, and unity.

 

Therefore, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to designate every third Thursday of May as Vyshyvanka Day throughout Canada. This day would unite Ukrainian-Canadians and preserve Ukrainian identity.