ATIKOKAN — Thunder Bay’s Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association traveled to Atikokan last weekend to perform a special concert for the Ukrainian refugees who have made Atikokan their home since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
Since arriving in Atikokan, a year ago, the Resolute sawmill near Atikokan has employed 31 Ukrainian men and women. It was this connection with Resolute that made the event possible.
Zorya’s concert appropriately titled Heroyam Slava (Glory to the Heroes), a common Ukrainian slogan and rally call that celebrates Ukrainian independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, was dedicated to those fighting to protect their freedom in Ukrainian from Russia’s attack.
“It was a good feeling to organize it and a wonderful feeling to have a happy ending. During the [Ukrainian] anthem at the very end, I had a hard time,” Zorya’s Dance school coordinator Alice Chony said while holding back tears.
“To have been there and see what was there, and what is being damaged. Knowing what they have left behind, it was very emotional,” added Chony.
Cerhii (Serhii) Batarchuk said the performance filled him with a sense of culture and support.
“We are very appreciative because we know many families in Thunder Bay and Atikokan. For someone to come from Thunder Bay to Atikokan to give support, it helps give a new ability to recover and live and try to the best that they can do now,” Batarchuk said.
Zorya’s dedication to Ukrainian dance inspires many generations to connect with their Ukrainian heritage, which was something Batarchuk found quite interesting.
“It’s interesting. Like in Canada someone who come earlier, like 50 years ago, saved this culture and bring [it to Canada] and show. At some point, it can be lost, but now they save it in Thunder Bay. It’s so beautiful” said Batarchuk.
Zonya trains students as young as four years old. As they advance from beginner to senior levels, their skills allow them to many different techniques.
The dance that stood out the most to Batarchuk was the Hopak, which is performed by the senior ensemble to close out Zorya’s concerts. The Hopak is a historical traditional dance. The finale showcases each dancer’s technicality and grace.
Batarchuk said, “it translates to ‘you're powerful’. It translates that we can both enjoy, but also, we can feel ache inside, and we can come together and continues to live.”
Another highlight from the concert was 12-year-old Ilona Volosianko who joined Zorya in January. Playing the Bandura, Volosianko took to the stage to perform two songs. One was a traditional folk melody — Yak ya Sey Zaspeevam (How I will Sing) — and the other was an original composition she created — Mriyu Pro Dim (I Dream of Home).
In December 2022, she arrived in Thunder Bay with her family and continued to practice the Bandura with a teacher in Thunder Bay and online with her teacher in Ukraine.
When asked how Zorya was able to bring their concert to Atikokan, Chony said, “it all sort of fell into place.”
One of Zorya’s senior ensemble dancers is employed by Resolute in Thunder Bay. The dancer helped contact Resolute in Atikokan, who connected Alice with Garry McKinnon, the executive director of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation.
“You know Alice organizes everything. She just phoned and wonder if we could set up a venue and it just sort of grew from there,” said McKinnon.
McKinnon said at least one person from each refugee family is currently working at the sawmill. With a stable workforce in place, the sawmill can run full shifts seven days a week.
He also acknowledges that many residents have provided a wealth of support to its new Ukrainian neighbours.
The concert was held in the gymnasium at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School where the room was filled with community members of all ages group.
