New arrivals from Ukraine settling in across Sask. as third flight looms

A third flight is scheduled to arrive in Regina late this month, bringing hundreds more newcomers from Ukraine to Saskatchewan. That has the Ukrainian Canadian Congress preparing for the new arrivals and reflecting on those they’ve welcomed so far.

For UCC of Saskatchewan executive director Danylo Puderak, it’s exciting to be bringing another 200 displaced Ukrainaians to Saskatchewan for refuge. But that feeling is also tinged with dismay.

“It’s sad that it’s still necessary to be doing this,” Puderak said.

Those who arrived on the previous two chartered flights have been grateful for the warm welcomes they’ve received on arrival, he said.

The Ukrainian newcomers “are finding a very welcoming community and are gradually integrating themselves into Saskatchewan society,” Puderak said.

From the donations people have provided to those welcoming newcomers into their homes, Puderak said there is “a sense of being overwhelmed with the welcome and the generosity they are experiencing from the people here in Saskatchewan.”

Puderak said it is not uncommon for him to bump into friends and other members of the Ukrainian community who say new arrivals to the province have seamlessly become part of their own families, sharing meals and time together regularly.

“They’re really integrating and becoming part of our communities, which is so amazing to hear,” Puderak said.

The UCC, he said, is pleased to be supporting this latest flight, alongside the Saskatchewan government, and will help with the initial settlement needs of those arriving for the first time in the province.

That includes arranging for interpreters, and providing assistance for newcomers as they register for the services and programs that are necessary once they touch down.

Puderak said the UCC has a full contingency of staff available to connect people on the latest flight to the services they need, and provide an orientation to Saskatchewan life.

And while the flights might be landing in Regina, Puderak said many newcomers are looking elsewhere in the province to settle. He said many people coming to Saskatchewan from Ukraine have not yet decided on a final destination.

“They wanted to get onto the flight to come to Saskatchewan and see … what the province had to offer,” he said.

Many do have a plan in place, however — they want to look for work opportunities, Puderak said, ideally in areas they have experience or training in. They also want to settle into a new home and “bring some normalcy back to their lives.”

Puderak said it was a surprise to learn people were arriving with such open minds about where they would ultimately settle in the province, but having so many eager and welcoming employers and communities across Saskatchewan has offered immense support for those arriving here. Estevan, Prince Albert, Yorkton and Saskatoon are just some of the places Ukarinians new to the province have opted to travel to and call home, he said.

Puderak said Ukrainians who were on board previous flights are starting to connect socially, and find ways to support each other. They’re visiting drop-in spaces like Baba’s Closet in Saskatoon, the Regina drop-in, and Sophie’s Closet in Prince Albert to receive household supplies and start setting up their homes.

Newcomers are also stopping by the UCC in Regina and Saskatoon to get information, particularly to help get their children involved in activities after they’ve been enrolled in school.

“They want to find ways for them to also get involved in the community and make friends,” Puderak said.