Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars

10/02/2026

Sadly, on the very Day of Defenders of Ukraine, we learned of yet another painful loss.

Another heroic Ukrainian of Crimean Tatar origin has been killed in the fight for Ukraine — MiG-29 pilot, flight commander of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade “Ghost of Kyiv,” Captain Marat Redvanovych Mambetov.

His aircraft was shot down by the enemy while he was carrying out a combat mission. He was only 25 years old…

Another young life taken by this war. Another immense loss for Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar nation.

We extend our deepest condolences to Marat’s family and loved ones. May his memory be eternal, and may we always remember him with gratitude for his courage, honour, and ultimate sacrifice.

Glory to the Hero.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

10/01/2026

October 1 - Day of Defenders of Ukraine 🇺🇦

Today, we honour all those who protect Ukraine and its people.

We are grateful for every defender who continues to serve, for every family that stands behind them, and for every person who supports Ukraine in their own way. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and keep their memory alive.

Thank you for your courage, strength and service.

Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the Heroes!

09/23/2026

The Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars, together with Crimean Tatar Heritage Canada, was honoured to participate in the BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival 2026! BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival

We shared Crimean Tatar culture through traditional coffee and qurabiye, a Basma workshop, and a selection of books, ceramics, jewellery, and cultural merchandise.

We were also proud to welcome two speakers: Alina Dochu, representing the Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars, who spoke about the impact of Russian colonial policy on Crimean Tatars, and Elmira Kataki Elmira Kataki, representing Crimean Tatar Heritage Canada, who introduced the history and traditions of Crimean Tatar national costume.

A heartfelt thank you to the BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival for welcoming us, and to all our wonderful volunteers who helped make our participation possible. 💙💛

Thank you to everyone who visited, learned, listened, enjoyed our traditional coffee and qurabiye, and supported Crimean Tatar culture!

09/17/2026

Last Sunday in the heart of High Park, Toronto, we gathered around a book that opened a door to Crimea.

Together with Book&Talk and УКРАЇНСЬКІ КНИЖКИ В КАНАДІ, ТОРОНТО, we explored Anastasiia Levkova’s There Is Land Beyond Perekop (“За Перекопом є земля”) and what made the afternoon truly special was everything that happened beyond the pages.

We heard personal stories from people who have their own memories and connections to Crimea, and from those who have never been there but discovered it through the book its people, culture, traditions, and the living heritage of the Crimean Tatars.

There were conversations over traditional Crimean Tatar coffee and sweets, the sounds of Jamala’s *Qirim* in the background, and a warm atmosphere surrounded by the trees of High Park ☕️📖🌿

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their stories, thoughts and curiosity. And thank you to our wonderful partners Book&Talk and УКРАЇНСЬКІ КНИЖКИ В КАНАДІ, ТОРОНТО for bringing people together around such an important story.

We left with even more questions, more books to read, and so much more we want to share about Crimea.

This was just one conversation. There are many more ahead.

Until the next one 💙

09/15/2026

Join us on September 20 at the Speaker Corner as part of the BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival for an engaging lecture by Elmira Kataki:

“Crimean Tatar Women’s and Men’s Traditional Costumes of the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries”

During the lecture, we will explore authentic examples of Crimean Tatar traditional costumes and learn about the details, distinctive features, and cultural significance of each element.

Come discover the beauty and heritage of Crimean Tatar traditional clothing!

📅 Sunday, September 20
📍 Speaker Corner Stage Program (Bloor St W & Beresford Ave), BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival
🕓 3:30 PM

09/15/2026

We were honored to take part in the Ukrainian Independence Day Festival in London, ON!

Huge thanks to the organizers and everyone who made us feel so welcome.

It was an absolute joy to celebrate Ukraine’s music, culture, and spirit together 🇺🇦

09/15/2026

Join us on September 20 at the Speaker Corner as part of the BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival for an insightful lecture by Alina Dochu:

“Impact of russian Colonial Policy on Crimean Tatars”

Alina Dochu holds a PhD and is a Visiting Assistant Professor at McMaster University. Her research focuses on language preservation and revitalization, as well as language rights in the context of Russia’s occupation of Crimea.

During her lecture she will explore how Russian colonial policies have affected the Crimean Tatar people, their language, and their cultural identity.

📅 Sunday, September 20
🕒 3:00 PM
📍Speaker Corner Stage Progeam (Bloor St W & Beresford Ave), BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival

09/14/2026

Join the Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars at the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival (Sept 18–20) for an unforgettable weekend of culture, connection, and amazing vibes.

If you want to make new friends, dive into our rich heritage, and have a blast while giving back to the community, we need YOU on our team!

No experience needed—we’ll show you the ropes and make sure you feel completely confident before your shift begins.

Grab a friend, sign up together, and let’s make this festival our best one yet!

Hit the link to choose your shift - https://forms.gle/HPATdXofTctCbDNs7

08/24/2026

🇺🇦 Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

Today, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, we celebrate what unites us — our culture, history, identity, and the strength of a people who continue to stand together.

We were honoured to represent Crimean Tatar culture and share our heritage with the community. Our booth became a space for meaningful conversations, new connections, and discovering the history and traditions of the Crimean Tatar people — an integral part of Ukraine’s past and present.

A sincere thank you to Ukrainian Canadian Congress for bringing everyone together and creating a space where Ukrainian culture, diversity, and community could be celebrated.

Crimea was, is, and will always be Ukraine.

08/24/2026