National Internment Commemoration Day on October 28
On October 28, Canada observes National Internment Commemoration Day. Across the country, communities are hosting events to remember those affected by Canada’s First National Internment Operations, which unjustly imprisoned 8,579 Ukrainians and other Europeans from 1914-1920.
Click here to find an event in your city this weekend and join others in commemorating this dark chapter in Canadian history.
“This year our UCC National Internment Committee has expanded its Internment Education Campaign, encouraging the use of resources designed for both elementary and secondary students,” said Borys Sydoruk, Chair of the National Internment Commemoration Committee.“We encourage all Canadians to mark this important day of commemoration in their communities.”
These resources, available online, align with Canadian curriculum standards and include lessons, source documents, videos, and more to foster a deeper understanding of this historical injustice.
The Canadian World War I Internment Legacy project is funded by a grant from the Shevchenko Foundation's Canadian WW1 Internment Legacy Fund which supports projects commemorating and recognizing the experiences of affected communities.
From 1914-1920, 8,579 Ukrainians and other Europeans, branded as ‘enemy aliens,’ were imprisoned in 24 internment camps across Canada. Men, women, and children suffered during Canada’s First National Internment Operations, not because of anything they had done but only because of where they had come from, who they were
In 2014, the Endowment Council of the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund and the UCC Internment Committee adopted resolutions designating October 28 as National Internment Commemoration Day in Canada. On this day, we remember the victims of this injustice. And we are united in our resolve to bring an end to prejudice and discrimination, wherever they may appear. Watch a video to learn more.
