Joining the Ukrainian community in Edmonton can be one of the most important steps in your adaptation to life in Canada. Whether you have just arrived from Ukraine or have been living in the city for some time and want to strengthen your connection to your cultural roots, Edmonton's Ukrainian community offers numerous opportunities for participation, communication, and development. The city has one of the largest and most active Ukrainian communities in Canada, with a rich history dating back over 130 years to when the first Ukrainian immigrants settled in the region in the late nineteenth century.
Participating in community life will not only help you preserve your Ukrainian identity and pass it on to future generations, but also provide practical support in building a new life in Canada. Through Ukrainian organizations, you can find friends who understand your experience, get help with adapting, find work through professional contacts, provide your children with education in the Ukrainian language and culture, and participate in cultural events that maintain ties with your homeland. This article will detail the various ways to get involved in Edmonton's Ukrainian community, from formal membership in organizations to participating in cultural events, volunteering, and attending church services.
Connection to the main umbrella organization
Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Edmonton Branch
The best place to start your involvement in the Ukrainian community is the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Edmonton Branch, the main umbrella organization that brings together all Ukrainian organizations in the city. The UCC Edmonton serves as a central point for the Ukrainian community, coordinating the activities of eighteen member organizations and providing information on all available resources and opportunities for participation.
You can contact the UCC Edmonton by email at [email protected]. The organization can provide you with information about all available Ukrainian organizations in the city, help you determine which ones best suit your interests and needs, and refer you to the appropriate contact persons. The UCC Edmonton also organizes its own events and programs in which you can participate, including cultural programs, educational seminars, and social gatherings.
Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council
At the provincial level, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council coordinates the activities of the Ukrainian community throughout the province. You can contact the UCC - Alberta Provincial Council by phone at 780-414-1624 or by email at [email protected]. The organization has an Instagram page under the name @UCC_APC, where it posts current information about events, programs, and opportunities to participate.
The UCC - Alberta Provincial Council represents the Ukrainian Canadian community in Alberta and provides leadership and coordination, identifying and addressing the needs of the community. The organization offers membership and volunteer opportunities that are open to anyone who wants to get involved in the Ukrainian community. Membership in the UCC - Alberta Provincial Council is open to provincially registered organizations, and you can download a membership application form from their website.
Participation in charitable and social activities
Membership and volunteering in Ukrainian Canadian Social Services
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Edmonton offers a great opportunity to get involved in the community through membership and volunteering. UCSS is not just an organization, it is a community of people who help those in need, and participating in its activities allows you to directly impact the lives of other Ukrainians in Edmonton.
To become a member of UCSS Edmonton, you need to download and fill out the membership form from their website, then bring or mail the completed application along with your membership fee to: Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Edmonton), 11717 - 97th Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 1Y3. Membership in the organization gives you the opportunity to participate in UCSS programs and events, influence the direction of the organization, and be part of a community that actively supports Ukrainians in Edmonton.
Volunteering with UCSS Edmonton is another great way to get involved in the community and help others. The organization is looking for both short-term and long-term volunteers to ensure its smooth operation. To become a volunteer, you can download and complete the volunteer form from their website, then bring or mail the completed application to the same address. If you are interested in helping with UCSS charity events, you can call their office at 780-471-4477.
For more information about membership or volunteering, you can contact UCSS Edmonton at 780-471-4477 or by email at [email protected]. The community social services coordinator is Diana Artemenko, who can also be contacted for additional information.
Volunteering with New Ukrainian Immigrants
The UCC - Alberta Provincial Council is actively seeking volunteers to assist new Ukrainian immigrants. The organization has established a free furniture store, UNFW, dedicated to providing basic furniture needs to Ukrainian newcomers fleeing the war. The warehouse space was generously donated by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge 146 and is located at 15330-114 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta. The warehouse is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you would like to be a short-term volunteer, you can simply register on their website. If you are interested in long-term volunteering, please email your resume to [email protected] with the subject line “General Volunteer Resume.” Volunteering at the warehouse allows you to directly help newly arrived Ukrainians who have been forced to leave everything behind due to the war and support them as they settle into their new lives in Canada.
UCSS Edmonton also encourages anyone who wishes to help the Ukrainian community in Alberta through volunteer work. The organization regularly organizes volunteer opportunities, including helping at events, distributing food and clothing, and supporting newly arrived Ukrainians.
Getting involved through women's organizations
Ukrainian Canadian Women's League - Edmonton Branch
For women who want to get involved in the Ukrainian community, the Ukrainian Canadian Women's League - Edmonton Branch offers a great opportunity to participate. The UCWL Edmonton brings Ukrainian women together to preserve and develop Ukrainian culture and traditions by organizing various events, including cultural programs, charity events, educational seminars, and social gatherings.
The organization holds regular monthly meetings to discuss important issues, results of activities, and directions for development. Members of the organization are actively involved in the life of the Ukrainian community, organizing exhibitions, concerts, conferences, seminars, and meetings with interesting people. LUWC Edmonton is also involved in charitable activities, supporting members of the community in need and raising funds for various initiatives.
You can find more information about LUKZ Edmonton on their website www.lucwomen.ca or through their Instagram page @lucwedmonton. Joining LUKZ allows you to be part of an active community of women who share your love of Ukrainian culture and desire to preserve it for future generations.
Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada - Edmonton Branch
The Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada - Edmonton Branch, also known as the Olga Basarab Society, is another important women's organization you can join. The UWO Edmonton aims to unite Ukrainian women to preserve and develop Ukrainian culture, support the Ukrainian language and traditions, and provide assistance to members of the community in need.
The organization is actively involved in charitable activities, organizes literary and musical evenings, holds events to commemorate the victims of the Holodomor of 1932-1933, and participates in Christmas receptions of sister organizations. The UWO Edmonton is also involved in traditional Ukrainian crafts, including baking Christmas bagels and other traditional baked goods to celebrate Christmas and prepare for the traditional Malanka.
You can find more information about the UWO Edmonton on their website, uwoedmonton.ca. The organization regularly posts information about its activities and events on its website. Joining the UWO allows you to be part of an active community of women who preserve Ukrainian traditions and support each other.
Participation of children and youth in organizations
Plast - Ukrainian Youth Organization of Alberta
If you have children or teenagers, Plast - Ukrainian Youth Organization of Alberta offers a wonderful opportunity for them to join the Ukrainian community and develop their Ukrainian identity. Plast accepts boys and girls aged seven to twenty-five, who are organized into small groups according to age.
Plast's activities include regular weekly group meetings, various lectures, sports events and competitions, hikes and tours, as well as winter and summer camps. Plast requires its members to speak Ukrainian and study Ukrainian studies, which helps children maintain their connection to Ukrainian culture and language.
You can find more information about Plast Canada on their website at www.plast.ca. Joining Plast will allow your child to develop leadership skills, learn about Ukrainian history and culture, make friends with other Ukrainian children, and participate in exciting outdoor adventures.
Ukrainian Youth Association - Edmonton Branch
The Ukrainian Youth Association (UYA or CYM) is another important youth organization in Edmonton that brings Ukrainian youth together to preserve and develop Ukrainian culture, language, and traditions. The UYA holds regular meetings, educational programs, cultural events, and sports competitions for its members.
SUM Edmonton has its own complex for meetings and events, known as the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex. The organization actively supports Ukraine during the war by organizing fundraisers for Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines, and your participation can be part of this important support.
You can find more information about SUM on their website cym.org or contact SUM Edmonton through their Facebook page. The organization also collaborates with other Ukrainian societies in Edmonton to hold joint events and initiatives, providing additional opportunities to participate in community life.
Ukrainian National Youth Federation of Canada - Edmonton Branch
The Ukrainian National Youth Federation of Canada - Edmonton Branch (UNYF Edmonton) is a youth organization operating under the umbrella of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada. UNYF organizes various cultural, educational, and social events for Ukrainian youth in Edmonton.
The organization actively collaborates with other Ukrainian societies in the city to organize charitable literary and musical evenings and other cultural events. UNYF also participates in organizing and hosting the Ukrainian Festival in Edmonton, one of the largest Ukrainian festivals in Western Canada.
You can find more information about UNYF Edmonton on their website at unyfedmonton.ca. Joining the UNMF allows young people to be part of an active community of peers who share a Ukrainian identity and are committed to preserving Ukrainian culture.
Ukrainian Language and Culture Education
Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian Studies
If you want to provide your children with an education in Ukrainian language, history, and culture, the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Studies School is one of the most important educational institutions of the Ukrainian community in Edmonton. The school provides education for junior and senior high school students with a higher level of Ukrainian language, history, culture, and other subjects.
The school serves students in grades 7-10, typically aged 12 to 17. Known as Ukrainian Studies Courses, students typically join the school after completing Native School (grades 1-5 of Saturday heritage school) or after completing grade 6 of the Ukrainian bilingual program in the regular elementary school system. A unique strength of the program is that it is accredited by the Alberta Ministry of Education and provides three years of high school credits to graduates.
The curriculum is divided into four academic years. Registration takes place on the second Saturday in September. Classes are held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. The registration fee is $300. You can contact the school principal, Lilia Sukhy, by phone at 780-964-675 or by email at [email protected]. The school's address is 10611-110 Ave Edmonton, AB T5H 2W9, Canada.
Native School at St. George's Parish
The Native School at St. George's Parish of the Ukrainian Catholic Church is another important educational institution for the Ukrainian community in Edmonton. The school operates under the auspices of St. George's Parish and provides Ukrainian language and religious education for parishioners' children.
The Native School organizes Ukrainian language classes for different age groups and language proficiency levels. The school also organizes cultural events and celebrations of Ukrainian traditions, including Christmas, Easter, and other important holidays. Enrolling children in the Native School allows them not only to learn the Ukrainian language, but also to immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture and traditions through participation in church and cultural events.
Ukrainian language courses for adults
If you want to learn or improve your Ukrainian language skills, Ukrainian language courses for adults are available in Edmonton. Courses are held at St. Andrew's Cultural Centre at 9831-75 Street, Edmonton, AB T6A 2Y8.
Courses are typically held from September to March, with 24 classes during the period. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Any older teenager or adult, regardless of affiliation or origin, who wishes to learn and/or improve their Ukrainian language skills can register.
For more information or to register, please call 780-469-1463 or email [email protected]. The courses provide an excellent opportunity for newcomers from Ukraine to refresh their language skills or for Canadians of Ukrainian descent to learn the language of their ancestors.
Professional and Business Opportunities
Ukrainian Professional and Business Association of Edmonton
For professionals and entrepreneurs, the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association of Edmonton (UPBAE) offers an excellent opportunity for networking and professional development. The organization's goal is to create a network for entrepreneurs and professionals who are interested in doing business in Edmonton's Ukrainian community.
UPBAE organizes monthly professional networking mixers where members can meet, share experiences, discuss business opportunities, and establish professional connections. The organization actively supports the development of the Ukrainian business community in Edmonton, provides opportunities for professional development to its members, and promotes cooperation between Ukrainian entrepreneurs and professionals.
You can find more information about the UCPBAE on their website, ucpbaedmonton.ca. The organization also has a Facebook page where information about upcoming networking mixers and other events is posted. Joining the UCPBAE allows you to expand your professional network, find potential business partners or clients within the Ukrainian community, and receive support in your professional development.
Participation in cultural and artistic events
Ukrainian dance groups
If you or your children are interested in Ukrainian dance, there are several dance schools and ensembles in Edmonton that you can join. The Edmonton Ukrainian Dance School offers training, practice, and performances in the dynamic, energetic art of Ukrainian dance. The school accepts students of all ages and provides the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers.
Vogon is an Edmonton-based Ukrainian dance ensemble dedicated to promoting the art of Ukrainian dance. Cheremosh is a dance school that has been providing children and youth with the highest level of Ukrainian dance training since 1976. Trembita is a Ukrainian dance school affiliated with the Ukrainian United Churches Association, offering classes in dance, visual arts, and choir.
Virkrutaz is a Ukrainian dance school open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Volya - an Edmonton Ukrainian dance ensemble that holds auditions for new members. Verkhovyna - an Edmonton Ukrainian song and dance ensemble consisting of the Verkhovyna choir, the Dunay Ukrainian dancers, and the Dunay dance school.
Joining a Ukrainian dance group allows you or your children to learn traditional Ukrainian dances, perform at festivals and cultural events, stay physically fit, and be part of a creative community.
Participating in festivals and cultural events
Participating in cultural events and festivals is another great way to get involved in the Ukrainian community in Edmonton. UFest - Edmonton Ukrainian Festival is a free two-day event that takes place every year at the end of May in Borden Park. The festival brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate Ukrainian culture, food, music, art, and dance.
UFest 2025 is scheduled for May 30-31 at Borden Park. The festival offers a Food Fair, Coffee Café, Workshops and Demonstrations, Children's Cossack Zone, Vendor Village, and UFest After Dark at the Korchma. Throughout the day, hundreds of music and dance performers take to the main stage. Attending UFest allows you to enjoy Ukrainian culture, taste traditional Ukrainian food, listen to Ukrainian music, and meet other members of the community.
Ukrainian Day is another important cultural event that takes place annually in Edmonton. Ukrainian Day 2025 is scheduled for August 24 at the Alberta Legislative Buildings in Edmonton. It is a free event that celebrates Ukrainian culture, music, and heritage.
Vyshyvanka Day is another important cultural event celebrated by Ukrainian communities across Canada, including Edmonton. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress publishes a list of Vyshyvanka Day events each year, and you can find information about local events on their website. If you know of an event, you can report it by sending an email to [email protected].
Edmonton.UA - the Ukrainian community in Edmonton - organizes various events, concerts, parties, and cultural initiatives for the Ukrainian community. You can find information about upcoming events on their social media pages or contact them by phone at 825-977-3813 or by email at [email protected].
Visiting Ukrainian churches
Ukrainian Catholic churches
Visiting Ukrainian churches is a traditional and spiritual way to connect with the Ukrainian community. St. Josaphat Cathedral of the Ukrainian Catholic Church is the most important Ukrainian Catholic church in Edmonton and the cathedral of the Edmonton Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The cathedral is located in the McCallum area of Edmonton and is one of the finest examples of Byzantine church architecture in Canada.
Every Sunday, two Divine Liturgies are held at the cathedral: at 9:30 a.m. in English and at 11:00 a.m. in Ukrainian. The cathedral also provides opportunities for confession and other sacraments. You can find more information about St. Josaphat Cathedral on their website stjosaphat.ab.ca or Facebook page.
St. Nicholas Parish of the Ukrainian Catholic Church is another important Ukrainian Catholic church in Edmonton. The parish warmly welcomes newcomers and invites everyone to join in worship, fellowship, and community service. You can find more information about St. Nicholas Parish on their website stnicholasucp.ca.
St. Basil the Great Church in Edmonton also streams its services online, allowing you to participate in services even from a distance. You can find links to the online streams on their website, stbasilschurch.com.
Ukrainian Orthodox Churches
St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the cathedral of the Western Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada in Edmonton. The cathedral streams the Divine Liturgy at 8:50 a.m. Mountain Time on its Facebook page. You can find the cathedral on Facebook under the name UOCSJB.
St. Anthony's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton is another important Orthodox church in the city. The church invites you and your family to join Sunday and other services. You are also invited to attend and participate in many parish social events. The church holds Divine Liturgy on most holidays at 10:00 a.m. You can find more information about the church on their website st-anthonys.ca or Facebook page.
St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Edmonton also invites you to attend services, pray together, and participate in church events to become part of their parish family. You can find more information on their website at uocc-stmichael.ca.
St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church offers Ukrainian language courses for adults at their cultural center. This provides an additional opportunity to join the church community through educational programs.
Support through Ukrainian shops and cafes
Ukrainian grocery stores
Visiting Ukrainian grocery stores is not only a way to buy familiar products from home, but also an opportunity to meet other Ukrainians and keep up with community news. Orbit Ukrainian Store is located at 10219 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0L5. The store offers a wide range of Ukrainian and European products.
MirKo Ukrainian Store is a grocery store that sells Ukrainian and European products. The store is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can find them on Instagram under the name @mirko_ukrainian_store.
Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods is located at 8103 127 Ave NW #9, Edmonton, AB T5C 1R9. The store offers homemade varenyky, holubtsi, borscht, and pampushky - all handmade. You can find more information on their website yobabafoods.com. Yo Baba also has a wholesale structure that supplies quality Ukrainian food products to independent retailers, mini-markets, and grocery stores.
An article in Edify Edmonton also mentions a store that sells imported spices and ingredients from Ukraine, including jars of pickled cucumbers, horseradish, and tomatoes with Ukrainian writing on the labels. This gives a taste of home to newly arrived Ukrainians.
Ukrainian restaurants and cafes
Multicook Edmonton is a space in the Terra Losa neighborhood that serves as both a kitchen and a storefront selling homemade frozen Ukrainian meals. They offer over 100 dishes, including 18 varieties of varenyky, zrazy, holubtsi, and borscht. Multicook was opened by Volodymyr Kostyuchenko and Andriy Riba, who came from Ukraine. Address: 17204 95 Ave NW, Edmonton. You can find more information on their website multicookedmonton.ca.
DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen is the first of its kind in Canada, a kitchen run by newcomers that preserves culture through food. Founded in 2023 during the war in Ukraine, DON'YA offers authentic Ukrainian food, handmade with love in Edmonton. They offer a café, frozen meals, catering, and cooking classes. DON'YA's mission is simple: to create peace through varenyky and preserve Ukrainian traditions in every dish. You can find more information on their website at donyaukraine.ca.
Little Happy Ukrainian Kitchen is located at 402 Foxboro Way, Sherwood Park, AB. Truly Ukrainian Cafe Shinok is also an option for those looking for authentic Ukrainian food. Visiting these restaurants and cafes allows you to enjoy a taste of home, support Ukrainian businesses, and meet other members of the community.
Online resources and social media
Information platforms for newcomers
For Ukrainians who have just arrived in Edmonton, there are several online resources that can help you connect with the community and find the support you need. The Ukrainians in Alberta platform was created to assist Ukrainian citizens and their family members who have been affected by the Russian invasion and are interested in moving to Alberta.
The platform has a Telegram channel where it publishes up-to-date information about available services and support for Ukrainians in the province of Alberta. The channel is in Ukrainian, which makes it easier for newcomers to access information. If you need housing, you can send an email to [email protected], indicating the city you plan to arrive in, your arrival date, and the number of family members who need housing.
Alberta Stands With Ukraine offers a resource guide for Ukrainian refugees and newcomers to Canada living in Edmonton. The website provides information about available services and support for newcomers.
211 Alberta is a free information service that provides information about programs and services in Alberta. They have a dedicated page with resources for the crisis in Ukraine, including information for Ukrainian citizens, information about migration, and information about donations. You can contact 211 Alberta by calling 2-1-1, texting INFO to 211, or through online chat at ab.211.ca.
Social media and online communities
Social media is an important tool for staying connected with the Ukrainian community and getting information about events and opportunities. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council has an Instagram page called @UCC_APC, where it posts up-to-date information about events, programs, and opportunities to get involved.
Edmonton.UA - the Ukrainian community in Edmonton - actively uses Facebook to organize and promote events. Their Facebook page is called “Edmonton.UA: Ukrainian Community in Edmonton.” Through this page, you can find out about upcoming concerts, parties, and cultural initiatives in Edmonton.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Edmonton Branch also has a Facebook page called “Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Edmonton Branch,” where information about community events and news is posted. Many Ukrainian organizations, churches, and businesses have their own social media pages, through which you can stay up to date on their activities and events.
Joining Ukrainian Facebook groups and following Ukrainian organizations on Instagram allows you to stay up to date on all community events, find new friends, and receive information about opportunities to get involved.
English language courses for Ukrainians
Free English language courses
For new Ukrainian immigrants who want to improve their English, free English language courses at various levels are available in Edmonton. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council organizes English language courses for new Ukrainian immigrants at various language proficiency levels.
The English language course for CLB 4-6 is held at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. The English language course for CLB 1-2 is held at St. John's Cultural Centre. English language courses for new Ukrainian immigrants at CLB 3-4 are held at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex.
For more information about English language courses, you can contact the UCC - Alberta Provincial Council by email at [email protected]. The courses provide an excellent opportunity not only to improve your language skills, but also to meet other new Ukrainian immigrants and receive support in adapting to life in Canada.
Other Language Programs
The Edmonton Immigration Services Association (EISA) provides settlement services for newcomers, including English as a Second Language programs. You can contact EISA by phone at 780-474-8445 or by email at [email protected].
ASSIST Community Services Centre is another organization that provides settlement services and language programs for newcomers. You can contact them by phone at 780-429-3111 or by email at [email protected].
Francophonie Albertine Plurielle (FRAP) provides settlement and integration services in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Red Deer. You can contact their main office in Edmonton by phone at 780-540-8682.
Conclusion: your path to community integration
Joining the Ukrainian community in Edmonton is a process that can take place on many levels and in many forms. From formal membership in organizations to informal participation in cultural events, from volunteering to attending church services, from enrolling your children in Ukrainian schools to visiting Ukrainian restaurants, each of these ways allows you to be part of a vibrant and supportive community of Ukrainians in Edmonton.
The key to successful integration is being active and open. Don't hesitate to contact organizations, ask questions, offer your help, and share your ideas. The Ukrainian community in Edmonton is known for its openness and willingness to welcome new members, whether you have just arrived from Ukraine or have been living in Canada for many years.
Remember that joining the community is not only about receiving support, but also about giving it to others. Your experience, knowledge, and skills can be valuable to the community, and your participation strengthens the entire Ukrainian community in Edmonton. Together, we can preserve Ukrainian culture, language, and traditions for future generations, support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, and build a prosperous future for all Ukrainians in Canada.
Start with what interests you most—whether it's a church community, cultural events, professional networking, or education for children. Take the first step, contact the relevant organization, attend your first event. Over time, you will find your place in this rich and diverse community, make new friends, and feel at home in Edmonton while maintaining your connection to your Ukrainian roots.