05/13/2026
Our history and our home!
Ukrainian National Federation Of Canada
Ukrainian National Youth Federation - UNYF Edmonton
Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada, Edmonton Society Ukrainian Performing Arts Society
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The Ukrainian National Federation building is significant for its associations with Edmonton’s Ukrainian community. The Ukrainian National Hall was established in 1917 at 9620 - 109 Avenue, becoming an important focus for Ukrainian-Canadian Edmontonians.
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Edmonton’s Ukrainian community continued to grow rapidly. Historian Peter Melnycky writes that in 1921 it totaled 547.
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By 1931, the Ukrainian population had jumped to 5,025. Many lived in Boyle Street and McCauley. Ukrainians who were Catholic (others were Orthodox) gathered at the St. Josaphat Church on 97 Street for events like picnics and other social gatherings.
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In 1932, the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada was established, which adopted several principles to guide the Ukrainian community across the country. The provisional executive of the new Federation was soon formed and work started with the first branches being organized in Edmonton and Saskatoon in 1932.
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In 1947, a new Ukrainian National Federation of Canada building was erected at 10629 - 98 Street NW. In 1950, Parliament passed an act to incorporate the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada. The building in Edmonton was adopted as a formal branch of the organization, and remains there to this day.
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The building is also significant for its association with Chester Kuc, a prominent member of the Ukrainian community. Kuc began teaching Ukrainian dance and eventually founded the world-famous Shumka Dancers in the building in 1959.
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On this World Heritage Day, it is important for Edmontonians to understand our built heritage is increasingly under threat. Growth and added development opportunity are putting crosshairs on every historic building in our city. These buildings provide a direct and tangible connection to our shared history, and provide character and help define who we are as a community. PS - can you find the little kiddo?
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