'We are brave': Ukrainian refugees in Saskatoon celebrate their heritage
'We are brave': Ukrainian refugees in Saskatoon celebrate their heritage
Nataliia Sopotyk wears her vyshyvanka proudly, showing off the intricate details in each stitch.
The embroidered shirt was handmade by her mother Svitlana, who says they take her about a year to complete, working on them in her spare time.
The Sopotyks are now in Saskatoon staying with distant cousins after escaping the Russian invasion two weeks ago.
They’re celebrating World Vyshyvanka Day by wearing the embroidered blouses they brought with them. The day has heightened meaning with everyone left behind in their home including their father and husband who is a doctor.
“It’s a symbol of Ukraine and that’s why we should wear this blouse or vyshyvanka as a symbol that we are brave and we can win this war,” Sopotyk told CTV News.
The commemoration day started in 2006 in their home city of Chernivtsi — Saskatoon’s sister city. The goal is to showcase this Ukrainian symbol to the world.
Oksana Kupetska, an artist in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, says the vyshyvanka is the genetic code of the country. The symbols she makes, such as flowers or plants, have specific meanings.
“The plant elements symbolize purity and development of life,” Oksana Kupetska told CTV News.
There are different symbols for each letter of the alphabet and shapes and symbols for each day and month, Kupetska said.
Seeing people in Saskatoon and Canada wearing their vyshyvanka is heartwarming to see, Sopatyk says.
“It’s good because people who don’t live in Ukraine, they live in Canada and they support our holiday, our vyshyvanka day. It's nice,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia strikes Kyiv as Western leaders meet in Europe
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
U.S. Ambassador Cohen on inflation, the convoy protests, abortion rights and gun control
David Cohen has been the United States' Ambassador to Canada since November 2021, and in the time since, both Canada and the United States have experienced a series of shared challenges. In an interview at his official residence in Ottawa, Cohen opens up about the state of the relationship.
Norway mourns victims of Oslo shooting with memorial service
Norway's prime minister and members of the royal family joined mourners at a memorial service Sunday at Oslo Cathedral for the victims of a shooting attack as the capital held its annual LGBTQ Pride festival.
As Senate-confirmed justices end Roe, how will voters react?
Republicans are heading into a November midterm election that is poised to swiftly become a referendum on the court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, as voters decide which party should control Congress
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.
Regina
-
A field of dreams: Sask. residents purchase grasslands for preservation
Over 400 people contributed to the Field of Dreams project, which led to the purchase of a large track of prairie grasslands for preservation.
-
Sask. NDP electing new leader on Sunday
The Saskatchewan NDP will elect its next leader at a convention on Sunday.
-
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
Winnipeg
-
'In a crisis': Deaths of Indigenous women in Winnipeg spark calls for safe housing
Lori Ann Mancheese's death is now one of five women in the span of about a month being grieved by members of the province's Indigenous community. Winnipeg police say three of those women were murdered.
-
'The costs are just extreme': Campers staying closer to home amid soaring fuel costs
Using a trailer or an RV is an easy way for people to get out of the city and into the outdoors, but with soaring gas prices, the cost of driving with one has gone up drastically.
-
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.
Calgary
-
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
-
Skiing in the sun: Banff's Sunshine Village offered extended fun
If you are looking for some more time on the slopes even though it's already summer, you might be pleased by an opportunity at Banff Sunshine Village.
-
'Largest spiritual Indigenous gathering' to return during Pope's visit to Alberta
People are getting ready to return to Wakamne, God's Lake, on pilgrimage when the Pope visits Alberta.
Edmonton
-
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.
-
'Largest spiritual Indigenous gathering' to return during Pope's visit to Alberta
People are getting ready to return to Wakamne, God's Lake, on pilgrimage when the Pope visits Alberta.
-
'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
Toronto
-
Tens of thousands expected as Toronto Pride parade makes in-person return
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march in today's Pride parade in downtown Toronto, marking the return of in-person festivities for the annual LGBTQ celebration.
-
55 outdoors pools now open in Toronto for evening and weekend swimming
There are now more than 50 outdoor pools open across Toronto where people can go to beat the heat.
-
Toronto heat warning continues Sunday, but temperatures expected to cool down by evening
A heat warning remains in place for the remainder of the weekend in Toronto, but temperatures are expected to cool down Sunday evening.
Ottawa
-
What you need to know about Canada Day events in Ottawa
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at the Canada Day activities across the city of Ottawa, including at the new location at LeBreton Flats.
-
Minor injuries in Highway 417 crash allegedly caused by impaired driver
Ontario Provincial Police say minor injuries have been reported after a driver struck another vehicle on Highway 417 Saturday, causing it to roll.
-
Ottawa police clock driver going 119 km/h on King Edward Avenue
A driver going 69 km/h over the speed limit on King Edward Avenue was one of five motorists charged with stunt driving on Ottawa roads this weekend.
Vancouver
-
Port Coquitlam opens community centre for residents displaced by large apartment fire
Firefighters in Port Coquitlam extinguished a large fire in an apartment building on Wilson Avenue overnight.
-
Heat warning issued for Lower Mainland as temperatures rise
While most of B.C. remains under a special weather statement as the summer's first hot weather rolls through, the advisory has been upgraded to a heat warning for the Lower Mainland.
-
Community, not just policy changes, could save lives in next heat dome, say experts
The 96-year-old woman who died in the arms of firefighters now lingers in the memory of Chief Jim Ogloff of the Coquitlam Fire Department, a reminder of the impact of last summer's heat dome disaster on vulnerable residents of British Columbia.
Montreal
-
Stepson arrested after stepfather stabbed and killed and three others injured in spree in Montreal
A man in crisis stabbed several people Sunday morning in downtown Montreal, leaving one dead and three injured.
-
Firefighters working to put out major blaze in Montreal's east end
The Montreal fire department (SIM) is advising citizens to avoid the intersection of Sherbrooke St. East near Durocher Ave. as a major building fire is blazing.
-
Quebec homeowners say Ottawa must address decades of erosion caused by ship traffic
The higher parts of Angelique Beauchemin's land, she said, are sinking an inch or two a year as they slope ever more steeply toward the river. While she's not a scientist, she says her biggest fear is that one day there will be a landslide and the white house at the top of the hill where she's lived for decades will tumble down.
Vancouver Island
-
'Linen heist' on Quadra Island leaves resort out $1,500 worth of supplies, RCMP say
Mounties on Quadra Island are investigating what they call a "linen heist" at a local resort.
-
85-year-old B.C. lottery winner surprises sister with new car
Barb Randall travelled from Nanaimo, B.C., to Petawawa, Ont., to surprise the sister she hasn't seen in years.
-
Community, not just policy changes, could save lives in next heat dome, say experts
The 96-year-old woman who died in the arms of firefighters now lingers in the memory of Chief Jim Ogloff of the Coquitlam Fire Department, a reminder of the impact of last summer's heat dome disaster on vulnerable residents of British Columbia.
Atlantic
-
'Reviewed for Privilege': Federal government explains N.S. superintendent’s missing notes
The inquiry into Nova Scotia’s 2020 mass shooting, says four pages of handwritten notes that sparked a political firestorm in Ottawa this week, weren’t immediately submitted when subpoenaed by its investigators.
-
'It’s in shambles': RCMP 'architects of own demise,' says criminologist after complaints in N.B. and N.S.
After a week of criticism and anger at the Mass Casualty Commission in Nova Scotia, and outcry in a rural area of New Brunswick, there are questions about the RCMP’s role in community policing.
-
Maritime gas prices ride high as road trip season shifts into new gear
Gas prices at over two dollars a litre may be too much for some drivers to ignore this summer.
Northern Ontario
-
Shooting on Manitoulin Island
A person was taken to hospital after a shooting on the Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island Friday.
-
North Bay's Canada Place waterfront project delayed
The future site of Canada Place will include a new walkway, seating and gardens meant to recognize diversity and inclusion.
-
U.S. Supreme Court’s abortion ruling shocks Rota
Nipissing-Timiskaming Liberal MP Anthony Rota said he was shocked by Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court’s abortion ruling.
London
-
Family safely escapes townhouse fire in London, Ont.
Residents were able to safely escape a house fire Sunday morning in London.
-
Cooking up a storm at International Food Fest
They’re cooking up a storm this weekend at London’s Victoria Park.
-
Forest City ComiCon returns to London, Ont.
You could find all kinds of colourful characters in downtown London Saturday as the Forest City ComiCon returned from its COVID hiatus.