UCC condemns desecration of Banff memorial

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is appalled by the recent defilement of a monument located near Castle Mountain in Banff National Park.

The monument commemorates the internment of thousands of Canadians, primarily of Ukrainian background, during the First World War many of whom were confined at a nearby forced labour camp. Vulgarity now defaces the plaque at the base of the statue, which depicts an interned man.

“The statue has become a popular stop for visitors in the Park and serves to remind all Canadians of this sad episode in our nation’s history,” commented UCC President Irene Sushko. “This act is extremely hurtful to our community and should anger all Canadians.”

Federal officials, including Canada’s Heritage Minister Bev Oda, have been informed of the attack. Rona Ambrose, Minister responsible for the Canada Parks Agency, has been asked to launch an investigation into the crime and to ensure restoration of the monument.

UCC’s Calgary Branch has been discussing a potential hate crimes investigation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“This barbaric act of desecration further underscores the need for the Federal Government to come to a final settlement surrounding the internment of Ukrainian Canadians so that all Canadians can learn the hard lessons of those unjust actions,” said Sushko.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is a national body representing over 1.1 million Canadians of Ukrainian descent.