HOUGHTON -- Yoopers for Ukraine continue holding events and fundraisers to remind local citizens to support Ukraine's defensive war against Russian aggression -- a war that is now in its third year. In addition to regular sunrise services, the local group invites the public to join them in weekly marches across the Portage Lift Bridge, beginning at 5 p.m. every Wednesday.
UPDATE: The group will also host a small gathering on Ukrainian Defenders' Day, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at their Ukrainian Art and Culture Center, 314 Shelden Ave., Suite 3C, downtown Houghton. The Center is located in the Market Place across the hall from the Well Read Racoon. Informal and open to the public, this event will include a report on the recent trip to Washington, DC for the American Coalition for Ukraine Fall Summit. The grand opening of the Culture Center scheduled for Oct. 1 has been postponed to mid-October.
According to Nadija Paskaukas, co-founder of Yoopers for Ukraine, last Wednesday, Sept. 11, was a special day to remember Ukraine's support of the United States when it suffered a terrorist attack.
"Ukraine has been fighting terrorism daily for 930 days now and yet, still, many Ukrainians took time out of their day to send condolences and rembrances for the tragic terrorist attack of 9/11," Nadija posted on Facebook on Sept. 11, 2024. "I received so many messages from Ukrainians who remembered this day and wanted to share..thank you! Keep loving each other. Keep fighting for Freedom. Never let Terrorists win!"*
Following their demonstration in Veterans Park, participants walked across the Portage Lift Bridge and back displaying flags and signs in support of Ukraine.
Art in the Park: Copper Harbor
At the annual Art in the Park event in Copper Harbor, August 17 and 18, 2024, Yoopers for Ukraine displayed and sold works of art they received from Ukrainian artists. In addition, families were welcome to have their children participate in art activities related to Ukraine.
The art that was sold went to the artists and/or groups they represent. This year Yoopers for Ukraine also collected donations for an art trauma center 20 kilometers from the frontline.
"What a day at Art in the Park!! We shared so many stories. Spoke about Ukrainian Culture, showed off Culture," Nadija said. "The art we shared today was a huge hit! What a privilege it is for me to share these artists, their stories and their works! Thank you, Miriam Pickens and Bobbi Shirey for your lovely art and your grace filled spirits! These days are hard and long but so worth it! Thank you to all who stopped by! Thank you to all the artists who trusted me with their works!"
Miriam Pickens told Keweenaw Now she was happy to assist with the Yoopers for Ukraine presence at Art in the Park.
"It was fun helping out in the Yoopers for Ukraine booth at Art in the Park," Miriam said. "Nadija had a wide assortment of art; paintings, prints, photos, pysanky eggs, and stories to tell. Visitors stopped by and expressed their support for Ukraine, eager to help."
Ukrainian Independence Day
On August 24 Yoopers for Ukraine joined the Marquette group Connections of Hope Ukraine for a celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day in Gwinn.
Sunrise Services
Yoopers for Ukraine also hold Sunrise Services every Sunday, usually at the Centennial Park beach in Chassell, but at other locations when traveling. They encourage others to do a Sunrise Service wherever they are to remember Ukraine. Nadija often posts a video on Facebook from her own Sunrise Service.**
"The purpose of these weekly moments together is to center us at the beginning of the week to start our week with thoughts of Ukraine," Nadija explains. "Also, it is something everyone around the world can do. Wherever you are, no matter how dark or long the night is, the sun will rise."
Students learn about Ukraine
In late July Nadija accompanied a group of students from Michigan Tech, including several from Korea, to the Nara trails in Houghton for a class on Ukraine and a nature walk as well.
"What an honor to speak to young scientists from South Korea and here in the United States at Michigan Tech and discuss the global impact this invasion has had," Nadija posted on Facebook. "These young people give me Hope. The hard working dedicated people of Ukraine give me Hope. You give me Hope. We had the class outdoors at Nara after we walked the boardwalk to remind these young folk what they are fighting to protect. Nature belongs to all of us. Shame on Putin for thinking it is dispensable! Brava to our future. Slava Ukraini!"
Yoopers for Ukraine Cultural Center
Nadija is planning an official opening of the Yoopers for Ukraine Cultural Center in Houghton. The date and details will be announced soon. (See UPDATE above.)
The center will display art from 20 Ukrainian artists now living in Ukraine. It will also serve as a venue for a variety of events and activities related to Ukraine.
"All art is shipped from Ukraine," Nadija said. "The purpose of the center is show people how very valuable and important Ukrainian Culture is and how tragic it would be if Russia wipes it out -- which is their goal."
Here are some samples of Ukrainian art to be displayed in the center:
"We plan on having continuous pysanky workshops, guest talks, movie screenings, art nights and other events as well as regular hours," Nadija noted.
Fall Summit in Washington, DC
UPDATE: Nadija, her Dad and Blair Anderson of Crystal Falls attended the American Coalition for Ukraine Fall Summit Sept. 22 through Sept. 25 in Washington, DC. Nadija will report on this trip at the gathering for Ukrainian Defenders' Day Oct. 1 in the Cultural Center.
"We are asking for public support now more than ever," Nadija told Keweenaw Now. "The Ukrainian community deserves to know that we support them just as much and even more after these 930 days. We mourn their losses like the sweet family who lost 3 girls and a beloved mother wife last week. Each person on earth deserves to live free and to know that others are sending them Hope!"
Editor's Notes:
* Click here to view Nadija's video recorded at Veterans Park on Sept. 11, 2024.
** Click here to view Nadija's video of her recent Sunrise Service in Iron Mountain.
For more about Yoopers for Ukraine visit their Facebook page.
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