Our history

 

For 30 years, thanks to generous contributions and bequests, the Ukrainian Studies Foundation – British Columbia (USF-BC) has supported and promoted educationally beneficial projects or programs related to Ukrainian language studies, and the study of Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadian history, heritage, literature, culture and the arts in B.C.  The USF-BC is a registered society in British Columbia and a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency, thereby authorized to issue tax receipts for donations and bequests. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors, members of which represent diverse professional expertise and community involvement.

 

The history of the Foundation’s creation is one of evolution.

 

In 1974 the Ukrainian Canadian Committee - Vancouver Branch, spearheaded the creation of the Ukrainian Educational Council – BC to organize Ukrainian School teachers across BC and provide professional training and curriculum support.

 

As interest in the Ukrainian language grew, UBC students approached the Educational Council to assist with the funding of Ukrainian language courses at UBC that were scheduled for demise due to government cutbacks.  The Ukrainian Educational Council – BC, in conjunction with the Ukrainian Canadian Committee and the Ukrainian Heritage Language School, the largest school in BC, formed the Ukrainian Heritage Language Foundation of BC in 1985 and drew on these organizations for the first board of directors. The Foundation approached the Ukrainian community for donations and the community responded. 

 

A major contribution was a bequest from the estate of Walter Romaniuk in 1993. The Foundation’s support allowed for Ukrainian language courses at the 3rd and 4th year levels to thrive at UBC for seven years.

 

In 1997 the name of the Foundation changed to the Ukrainian Studies Foundation – BC to better reflect the wider scope of funded projects.