Toronto is a city with a multicultural population. In modern times, Toronto has become an attractive destination for millions of migrants, and today, you can meet people born in various countries around the world. Particularly noteworthy are Ukrainians, united by a large Ukrainian diaspora. In fact, the first Ukrainians began to settle in Toronto around 1903. These were predominantly rural residents seeking better opportunities. Life in Ukraine was difficult in those times, and the Canadian government offered free land grants to new migrants. One such settler was the writer and public figure Antonina Horokhovych. However, she emigrated to Toronto after the Second World War. Today, we will delve deeper into her creative journey and life in Toronto. Read more about this on the pages of torontonka.com.
What is Known About the Writer’s Childhood and Youth?
The future writer was born in 1913 in the village of Velyki Mezhyrichi, Rivne Oblast, Ukraine. Antonina received her secondary education at the Rivne Private Gymnasium. Later, she began her studies at the Lviv Technical-Agronomic Institute. It is worth noting that Antonina had a proactive stance on life even in her youth. She actively participated in the community life of Rivne, founded an educational movement, and worked as the secretary of the Union of Ukrainian Women.
Emigration and Life in Toronto
After the Second World War, Antonina Horokhovych decided to leave Ukraine. She moved to Germany. In a foreign land, the Ukrainian woman joined Plast — the Ukrainian Scout Organization. She even became the Head Referent of the UPN (Ukrainian Plastun Women). In 1949, Horokhovych moved to Canada, settling in Toronto. Even in Toronto, she continued her Plast activities. From 1953 to 1959, she served as the National Head of Plastun Women in Canada. However, Antonina was not only involved in community activities. She edited the magazines “Hotuys” (Be Prepared) and “Plastovyi Shliakh” (The Plast Path) and actively wrote articles on literary and educational topics. Furthermore, Antonina Horokhovych authored several important works, including: “Parents and Children”, “The Poetics of Lesia Ukrainka and Her Aphorisms”, and “The Individual in the Literature of Rus-Ukraine”. It should be noted that the writer’s works not only explore Ukrainian literature and culture but also educate young people. In general, Antonina Horokhovych’s writings address themes related to national identity. Horokhovych believed that knowledge of one’s native language is essential for the preservation of cultural heritage. The writer emphasizes moral and ethical aspects and promotes Christian values in her work. It is also important to mention that Horokhovych’s works contain patriotic motifs that cultivate an appropriate attitude among youth towards Ukraine. For her activities, the writer received several awards: in 1983, the Shevchenko Medal from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress; the Order of the Eternal Flame in Gold — Plast’s highest award. Horokhovych also gained recognition from the Ukrainian diaspora in Toronto. It’s worth remembering that the Ukrainian community in Toronto actively supports its culture through various organizations, clubs, and cultural events. Key among them are the Ukrainian National Home and the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club. Every year, Ukrainians in Toronto organize various festivals, celebrations, and more. Antonina Horokhovych was an integral part of the Ukrainian community in Toronto and became a shining example of how immigrants can preserve their culture and traditions far from their homeland.
We hope you found this informative material interesting and have drawn your own conclusions. What do you know about the Ukrainian diaspora in Toronto? We look forward to your comments.