What Can I Say To Newcomers?
We are sadly at the 2-year mark of Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine (and 10-year mark of their war on Ukraine), which has sparked a significant influx of Ukrainian immigration (be it a temporary move until the war finishes or a more permanent move) - a fifth* wave of Ukrainian migration to Canada since the 1890s.
*First Wave: 1891-1914; Second Wave: 1923-39; Third Wave: 1945-1960s; Fourth Wave: 1991 and onwards.
Learning From Previous Animosity
Our parish is home to members from all the different waves and with that, insight as to how we can be most-welcoming to these most recent of newcomers. It behooves us to recall the tensions that inevitably arose when the new waves arrived throughout the last century - questioning the authenticity of cultural practices and traditions and sometimes even belittling the language used. Those transition periods were challenging for both newcomers and established community members and, unfortunately, sometimes individuals were alienated and left the community. This is something we want to avoid now because this is a moment when the Ukrainian nation and community must be unified and strong.
So here are list of suggestions made in conjunction with recent newcomers, as well as members from previous waves, to ensure that we can welcome the many newcomers and grow our Ukrainian community in Toronto!
The Dos and Don’ts
Here is a list suggested questions and topics to avoid followed by topics that would be welcomed.
Avoid Asking:
Don’t ask about what city they are from. In the last 10 years, some assumptions have developed as to what cities are “Ukrainian” or “Russian.” It is possible that the individual feels sensitive about sharing where they are from and we do not want to create any ideas that our Toronto community will only help individuals from certain regions etc.
Don’t ask any language-related questions. Again, over the last 10 years, language has become a sensitive issue. The reality is that many individuals grew up speaking Russian due to leftover Soviet influences but that does not necessarily make them less Ukrainian (just as speaking French doesn’t make you less Canadian).
Don’t ask about how they got here/how they fled Ukraine. This is likely a very sensitive topic for newcomer individuals and potentially triggering.
Feel Free To Ask:
If they would prefer to speak English or Ukrainian. When starting a conversation, it would be useful to ask if they prefer English or Ukrainian. Or goal is not embarrass or shame a newcomer, and so it would be kinder to ask what language they prefer.
How they are enjoying Canada. This is a significant change and so asking them how things are going is showing kindness. The following questions follow the same line.
If they have they made some new friends.
Are they working and if their credentials have been recognized.
How their English is going.
Questions about their children:
How are the children doing?
How is their English after 2 years?
How you can help their family and what kind of help they may need. This is essential. This is how we can truly help welcome them to Canada and support them in this transition period.
In essence, all we want to say is let us extend a hand of friendship to those who have arrived from Ukraine on the CUAET visa, even if they do not speak Ukrainian. These individuals are eager to assimilate into the Ukrainian community in Canada by attending church services, participating in events, seeking acceptance, and they deserve a warm welcome. Many of them have fled the horrors of the active war zone, enduring significant hardships and challenges along the way. The Ukrainian community must provide support, showcasing its warmth and camaraderie. However, it is essential to acknowledge the linguistic barriers they face: proficiency in English is crucial for integration into Canadian society, just as fluency in Ukrainian is necessary to become a member of the Hromada. By helping them overcome these challenges, we can ensure their successful long-term integration while maintaining the integrity of the Ukrainian identity in Canada. It's important to note that speaking Russian can inadvertently distance individuals from the Ukrainian community and its values. Therefore, let us approach this task with empathy and understanding, guiding them through these linguistic mazes and fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity within our community.