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“League for the Liberation of the Ukraine”

Black and white photograph of 22 men sitting and standing in front of a curtain. The men are wearing suits. A Ukrainian National Federation logo hangs on the curtain and wall behind the men.

Title: Ukrainian Society, Kirkland Lake Branch, ca. 1953

Photographer: Duke Studios

Museum of Northern History Collection

This image was titled “Ukrainian Society – League for Freedom of Ukraine”, but it may actually be a photograph of Kirkland Lake members of the “Canadian League for the Liberation of the Ukraine”.

The Canadian League for the Liberation of the Ukraine was formed in May 1949 and provided material and moral support for achieving the freedom of the Ukraine from the control of the Soviet Union.

The organization popularized Ukraine’s independence and combatted Communist doctrine, ideology and activities. It also promoted a spirit of loyalty to Canada among its members.

Front row, left to right: Unknown; Dmetro Rupka, Mr. Kuzuk, John Jacula, Michael Chodoriwsky, George Boychuk, Bill Karas, Miroslav Mizan

Middle row, left to right: Mr. Bardega, John Marushka, Sydor Dutka, Alex Kmyta, Dan Maykowych, Yakimushyn, Ilko Lysiwskyj; Unknown

Back row, left to right: Yaroslav Gawadza, Miroslav Nalesnyk, Bill Folusewych, John Harasym, Michael Harasym, Walter Luczkiw