DAY 26 May 27, 2008

Dr. Robert B. Klymasz Item #2 at the CUCS Online Resource Centre:
Crucial Problems in Ukrainian Canadian Studies Today

In this article Dr. Klymasz celebrates the 1991 liberation of Ukraine from Soviet Russian control and emphasizes the crucial importance of the liberation of Ukrainian studies from under the iron curtain and amongst the diaspora. Dr. Klymasz names important institutions which fostered support to this end, and some of the largest innovations in Ukrainian Canadian studies that followed, such as C.H. Andrusyshen's Ukrainian-English dictionary in 1955 and Savella Stechishin's best selling publication, Traditional Ukrainian Cookery. Dr. Klymasz questions the importance of these innovations and their scope with regards to the field of Ukrainian Canadiana as a whole. However, as Dr. Klymasz states, the main focus of his paper is to draw attention to the 3 main models utilized by academics to grapple with Ukrainian Canadian studies, and they are as follows:

1. Exclusionist - a more conservative/narrow approach
   
2. Inclusionist - a and more liberal/open approach
3. Pluralist - appreciates the diversity, autonomy, and independence of both models and whatever may live outside of them.

Dr. Klymasz continues with some questions about the nature of "Ukrainianess", as well as a "wish list" of Ukrainian Canadian topics in need of attention. This talk was delivered by Dr. Klymasz in April of 2004, and I believe that his wish list is conservative, yet indicative of the problems in Ukrainian Canadian studies today, namely: How do you sell Ukrainian Canadian studies today? This is an issue I have been thinking about when considering my future job options, to be sure, and is something I would very much like to ask Dr. Klymasz about when I have an opportunity to speak with him.

(NB) I have found more information linked to Dr. Klymasz in his capacity as a published author and Curator Emeritus at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. I can't believe Dr. Klymasz's office is just down the hall... I am keen to take advantage of my geographical position, to say the least.