Canada's Prime Minister on the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence

Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper said:

“Twenty years ago, on August 24th, 1991, Ukraine seceded from the USSR and asserted itself as a sovereign state. 

“Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence and we continue to be a strong proponent of Ukraine’s democratization, given that Canadians and Ukrainians share a steadfast respect for

Canadian MP Peggy Nash on the Yulia Tymoshenko arrest and trial

The Ukrainian community in Toronto has been holding demonstrations to protest the arrest and show trial of Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine's former Prime Minister and now Leader of the Opposition.

Many speakers have come forward in support of Tymoshenko — as well as democracy and the rule of law. Both of which appear to be in short supply in Ukraine's officialdom.

A particularly eloquent speech was delivered (in English) by Canadian MP Peggy Nash. As a member of the Official Opposition here in Canada, she has

Great video snapshot of Ukraine

Just came across this lovely video showcasing the splendours of Ukraine.

The few typos and oddly translated idioms ("dissolve into meadows" and "inhale a gulp of fresh air") only enhance the charm of the outstanding videography ... and music.

The group btw is called Stelsi and I hope they'll agree to send me some of their awesome music to share on the show.

The video was made in 2008, the year that I visited Ukraine with my mom, two sisters and two nieces. Now I am feeling very nostalgic about that trip, so maybe this is the time to revisit it and share the rest of my memories here.

I also recorded some live music at a restaurant we visited in Kyiv by a group called Cheremosh. Unfortunately they have no website or CDs, but I can tell you they were terrific! And I can share their music with listeners of Nash Holos. :-)

So much to blog, so little time! But, I'll try my best to keep up and bring it all to you in good time.

In the meantime, enjoy the video!

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the opening of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, from July 29 to 31:

Weekly edition of Media Network Plus debuts on satellite radio Saturday July 30, 2011

Last fall Keith Perron of PCJ Radio asked me to co-host a monthly news show on the global media industry. The first 55-minute broadcast aired on November 26, 2010.

From the outset Keith has been receiving requests for a weekly edition of the show. So starting Saturday July 30, 2011 a 30-minute edition of MNP will air weekly on satellite radio on the World Radio Network.

Here are the details:

Broadcasting Saturdays to:

• Africa/Asia Pacific - from 1000UTC to 1030UTC on Intelsat 10 Satellite
• Europe - from 1300UTC to 1330UTC on Eutelsat HOT BIRD 6 Satellite
• North America - from 2100UTC to 2130UTC on Galaxy 19 Satellite

In the US and Canada the show can be heard Saturdays at 2 pm PST on Sirius XM satellite radio channel 120 and in the UK on Sky Digital channel 122.

More satellite information at the MNP blog or at the World Radio Network website.

Podcasts available at the Media Network Plus page on the PCJ Media website.

Audio archives for Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio updated to July 24, 2011

Here's what's on the podcasts for the past three editions of the Vancouver broadcast of Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio:

Canada's New Ambassador to Ukraine

John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, today announced that Troy Lulashnyk will be the new Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine.

Troy Lulashnyk graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political Science], and in 1995

New page for Ukrainian recipes and cuisine on Nash Holos blog

It's just occurred to me that the Nash Holos blog turned five this year. How the time flies!

During this time, it's been my goal to post all the yummy Ukrainian recipes that have aired on Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio

Ukrainian recipe: Ribbon perogies

Both the story and the recipe are delightful. They aired on Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio on June 13, 2010 and come courtesy Judy Hrynenko of Prairie Cottage Perogies in Langley.

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Does anybody remember ribbon perogies?

It was a family favorite at my home growing up. I seemed that whenever Mom had left-over potatoes she would make this special treat as an accompaniment to pork chops. I had actually forgotten about it until a customer came into the restaurant and asked if I make ribbon pyrohy (the "proper" Ukrainian word for perogies).

Wow, his question sure brought back a lot of memories! I remember coming home from school and there was Mom, rolling dough that she would cut into wide ribbons instead of the usual squares or rounds for perogies.

Then she would cut the ribbons diagonally, and drop them into salted water. When they floated to the top, she scooped them out, drained them and topped them with fried onions and bacon. I thought I died and went to heaven. Forget the pork chops!

For you, I have a time saving adaptation for busy families that love perogies. No fillings to prepare or pinching required with this quick and easy recipe!

For Ribbon Pyrohy (Perogies) you will need:

Kyiv Post gets new CEO

American J. Michael Willard has been named chief executive officer of the Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s oldest and top English-language newspaper and one of the country’s leading news sources.

Mohammad Zahoor, owner of the Kyiv Post, made the announcement on July 18.

Willard is

Volunteer Awards program: call for nominations

Here’s a new opportunity for Canadians to recognize the exceptional contributions volunteers make in their communities.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, has announced the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards first call for nominations.

Nominations are open

Updated info on Talents of Ukraine tour

The itinerary and other details of the Honored Academic Song and Dance Company of Ukraine "Donbas" 2011 Canadian tour are now available at the Boen Performing Arts website.

You can find an overview of the group and a video in