Saskatoon’s Ukrainian Museum of Canada is being recognized at the national level for an exhibit showcasing traditional Ukrainian clothing. In a media release Friday, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada announced it has received a Silver Award of Excellence from Interpretation Canada for the Folk Imaginaries: Ukrainian Clothing as Memory and Imagination exhibit. Interpretation Canada is described as “a national association that represents Canada’s interpreters, heritage educators, museums, parks, zoos, aquariums, science centres and cultural organizations.” “The award recognizes outstanding achievement in interpretive planning, exhibition design and visitor experience, celebrating exhibitions that engage audiences through compelling storytelling and innovative interpretation,” the Ukrainian Museum of Canada noted in the release. Judges for the award praised the exhibit, curated by Natalka Chomiak, alongside Alexandra Shkandrij and Rachel Ormshaw, for “its powerful central theme, cohesive narrative, and thoughtful design.” The museum says the exhibit aims to explore Ukrainian dress not just fashion, but a ‘living record of identity, memory, creativity, and resilience,’ that brings together historic garments and contemporary fashion. “This national recognition is a testament to the remarkable collaboration behind Folk Imaginaries,” said Dr. Jen Budney, executive director and CEO of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. “We’re honoured that Interpretation Canada has recognized the power of this work.” The display also received praise for revealing the deeper cultural significance of clothing, with one judge saying; “the exhibition gave them a deeper appreciation for Ukrainian culture, heritage, and fashion.” The work will be on display at the museum in Saskatoon until Aug. 28. It’ll be formally celebrated at the 2026 Interpretation Canada Awards of Excellence in Kingston, Ont. next month.
