Marichka Baysa is a Ukrainian advocate and creative professional in Canada. Her career spans communications, legislative support, and legal advocacy, underscoring her multifaceted commitment to social impact and effective engagement. As a Communications Advisor with Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, Marichka honed her expertise in crafting strategies that bridge policy and community needs. Her role as External Relations Director for SUSK: Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union further reflects her dedication to fostering community resilience and cultural solidarity.

Her work extends beyond advocacy to tangible contributions in shaping public policy and community outreach. Marichka proudly highlights the Ontario government’s recent achievements, including the integration of the Holodomor into school curricula and the declaration of September as Ukrainian Heritage Month—both crucial steps in honoring Ukraine’s history and legacy. Through SUSK, Marichka has spearheaded efforts to support Ukrainian newcomers, secured grants for young artists, and championed equitable access to education by advocating for domestic tuition rates for international students.

In this conversation, Marichka passionately discusses the challenges and opportunities of connecting with Canada’s growing Ukrainian diaspora, which has expanded significantly since the war. Her insights draw from personal experience, including her internship at Pace Law, where she provided critical support to Ukrainian immigrants navigating the complexities of permanent residency and related services.

 

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Outside public policy and advocacy, Marichka expresses her creativity through fashion. With her brand, Livivna, she integrates Ukrainian traditions into her designs, showcasing a commitment to cultural preservation through contemporary aesthetics. Her work reminds us that culture, even amid adversity, can be a powerful force for unity and resilience.

Dedicated to fostering critical dialogue and meaningful engagement, Marichka embodies a vision for Ukraine’s future that is both hopeful and grounded in action. Her story is one of advocacy, creativity, and an unwavering drive to make a difference for Ukraine and its diaspora, both in Canada and beyond.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Marichka. In the context of communications, administrative tasks, children’s services, and community work, what key skills are most critical for Ukraine’s efforts during the war, especially in mobilizing support and spreading awareness?

Marichka Baysa: The Ontario government greatly supports Ukraine and has provided significant funding. I was thrilled last year when the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, announced that the Holodomor would become an official part of the Ontario school curriculum. This was a monumental decision that had not been achieved in years, even though the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is one of the largest in the world.

Additionally, just last month, I was honoured to be at Queen’s Park when the Ontario government announced that September would be proclaimed Ukrainian Heritage Month. The Canadian and Ontario provincial governments are doing much for Ukrainians, and I am incredibly grateful for their support. They are providing immense help, including significant funding. Furthermore, many immigrants and refugees from Ukraine are experiencing an expedited process to obtain permanent residency (PR), health cards, and other essential services.

Unfortunately, other immigrant groups often face longer waiting periods or more complex processes to obtain the same documents. However, since the war began, the Ontario government has demonstrated exceptional support for Ukraine, and their efforts have made a substantial difference.

Jacobsen: You’ve been active with the Ukrainian Canadian Students Union (SUSK). Have there been any notable collaborations with CASA or your local student union? These partnerships might not always involve financial backing but could include media support, political advocacy, or issuing joint statements. Could you elaborate on such initiatives?

Baysa: As an external director for SUSK, the Ukrainian Canadian Students Union, the organization is run by dedicated individuals who are committed to supporting newcomers from Ukraine. While SUSK is specifically a student union and, therefore, not entitled to assist everyone, we provide significant support to newcomers currently enrolled in schools, universities, and colleges.

Several grants are available for newcomers. For example, we recently launched a $30,000 grant for young artists who are ethnically Ukrainian or working on Ukraine-related projects. This initiative is designed to encourage newcomers to continue pursuing their passions.

Additionally, we are working on a long-term project to help students who arrived after the war pay domestic tuition fees instead of international fees.

International fees are often unaffordable for newcomers without permanent residency, who are therefore ineligible for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program). As a result, many young people are unable to continue their education. However, we previously ran a similar program in collaboration with the University of Toronto, where students from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy were granted accommodations. We want to establish more programs like this in the future.

They would be exchange students from Ukraine attending the University of Toronto. The University of Toronto would fully fund their stay, covering tuition, residency, and food costs.

The program has not run since the full-scale war. Unfortunately, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy decided to close the program and redirect the funds for internal purposes at the Academy back in Kyiv. But, yes, we had that program, and I helped students apply for it. It was nice.

I am so proud that most received scholarships at the University of Toronto. Many were offered the chance to stay longer to pursue their master’s degrees, which was funded by scholarships. Additionally, many received scholarships in the United States and from other universities.

We don’t have direct funding to help students, but we provide consultations. Whenever we know about developments within Canadian politics, government laws, or any available grants or funding opportunities, we communicate this information to students, young people, and families. This gives them more opportunities to explore and benefit from.

Jacobsen: What role do financial challenges play for those fleeing Ukraine and seeking refuge in Canada during the war? What obstacles have you observed or experienced?

Baysa: Financial barriers are an issue, but we try to address them by providing information on available resources. However, social and cultural barriers can also be significant.

Jacobsen: Beyond financial constraints, what social barriers do Ukrainian newcomers encounter as they work to integrate into Canadian society? How are these challenges being addressed—or not?

Baysa: That’s a yes-and-no type of question because it’s a bit controversial. On one side, when you come to Canada after the full-scale war, there is already a large, even enormous, Ukrainian diaspora here. For example, I live in Etobicoke, and most of my neighbours are Ukrainians. Even if someone doesn’t speak English or only knows the basics, they can still feel connected to the community because so many Ukrainians have already immigrated. While it may not feel like home, it provides a sense of belonging.

However, for newcomers, everything is still very unfamiliar. Everyone speaks English, and it takes time to understand and adapt to the new environment. But it’s not as challenging as it used to be.

Jacobsen: When you reflect on these issues, how do today’s circumstances for Ukrainian newcomers differ from those of a decade ago?

Baysa: People who immigrated 10 or 15 years ago faced greater challenges. Back then, there were fewer Ukrainians in Canada, and you wouldn’t hear Ukrainian spoken on the streets. Yes, we had cultural festivals maybe once or twice a year, but that was it. People didn’t know much about Ukraine; many mistakenly thought it was still part of Russia.

After the full-scale war, awareness about Ukraine has increased significantly. People are much more educated about Ukraine now, which has made integration easier for recent immigrants.

I’m talking about Canadians and people internationally. They’ve become more educated about the fact that Ukraine has been independent for more than 30 years and is not part of Russia. Of course, there is the Russian-Ukrainian language dynamic—we speak both languages—but primarily, it’s Ukrainian.

It’s not true that all of Ukraine speaks Russian. The cultures are different. So, yes, Canadians have become more educated and welcoming. I don’t see significant problems for immigrants coming here. The only real barrier is the English language, which they need to communicate with their work colleagues or other non-Ukrainian, English-speaking individuals.

Otherwise, coming to Canada right now as a Ukrainian immigrant would not leave someone feeling lonely or lost. They would feel somewhat at home, part of the diaspora, because we have a significant Ukrainian community here.

We have concerts almost every month, community events, and many churches. New Ukrainian-owned restaurants and coffee shops have opened, hiring Ukrainian workers and providing them with jobs. I’m proud to see all of this growth. Unfortunately, the circumstances driving this are not pleasant.

For example, I’m deeply involved in the arts. Ukrainian galleries have hosted more exhibitions about the war, Ukraine, and Ukrainian artists, and people are becoming more involved. I advise newcomers to connect with other Ukrainians, talk with friends, and attend events. They won’t feel lonely or encounter significant social barriers.

Jacobsen: During your internship at Pace Law Firm, you worked on immigration cases and advocated for clients. What insights did you gain from these experiences, and how did you approach advocacy for individuals navigating Canada’s immigration system?

Baysa: That was an incredible opportunity, and I was lucky to get it. I was recommended for the internship and worked with many Ukrainian lawyers. They weren’t recent immigrants; most had been in Canada for many years.

One of the lawyers I worked with was born here, and his parents were Ukrainian. He was also the nephew of a famous opera star, which surprised me. It was a small world—I discovered that all three lawyers I worked with were from my hometown, Lviv, which was amazing.

When I first came to Canada, during my initial months, I joined Pace Law, and I thought, “Wow, this is incredible!” I didn’t know much about which law firms were highly regarded then, but it was a great experience. I was excited to work with Ukrainians, even though all the processes and work were in English. There were no problems with communication, and the experience was invaluable.

I was happy that Pace Law helped many Ukrainians. The particular Ukrainian lawyer I worked with, an immigration lawyer, made a big impact. He even offered discounts for his services. While they couldn’t handle all the cases pro bono, he still helped many people by providing free consultations.

He offered guidance on obtaining permanent residency (PR), completing immigration paperwork, and handling the process independently without needing to pay a lawyer or consultant. That was incredibly kind of him, and he helped so many people. He also taught me a lot about immigration processes, such as filling out proper documents, using appropriate language in letters, and other essential details.

With that knowledge, I helped many others seeking assistance with their PR applications, health card applications, and other services. Some of these people I initially helped as strangers are now my good friends here in Canada. I’m so happy that many of them have received their approvals. Some are already permanent residents, while others are still waiting.

I am grateful for what I learned from that lawyer and others at Pace Law because it allowed me to help others for free. Coming to a new country without knowing the language, lacking family or friends, and having limited finances can be very challenging. Offering help to those in need felt incredibly rewarding.

Jacobsen: You’ve been involved in multiple organizations, including student unions. As someone who has held leadership roles, such as VPFA in university and on CASA committees, what drives your commitment to these activities, internships, and volunteer efforts to give back meaningfully?

Baysa: Sure. First, the internships were not unpaid; they paid me because they were full-time jobs. While the title was “internship” or “summer student,” it was essentially a full-time role. However, the volunteer roles with organizations like student unions were unpaid, of course.

My involvement stems from missing home. Back in Ukraine, I danced, performing Ukrainian national dances and ballet. I also attended art and music school, where I played the violin. I miss Ukrainian life’s artistic and cultural aspects, so I joined as many organizations as possible here in Canada. I wanted to be involved in everything related to our culture.

The only challenge I face now is the lack of time. Sometimes, I have multiple events scheduled for the same day and hour and must choose between them. Overall, I love being with people, performing, and showcasing the incredible Ukrainian culture. Promoting and celebrating it is essential.

Being part of SUSK is amazing. I meet many wonderful people, attend events, and stay connected to my roots. I love going to events—it’s one of my favourite activities. Sharing our culture with Canadians and people from other countries is a privilege, and I hope to continue doing so for as long as I can.

I love talking and making new connections. Some are useful, and others are just interesting. Considering my current job, all those meetings, networking opportunities, and events are incredibly helpful. You never know where you’ll end up or who you’ll meet.

For example, at the Rebel Ukraine conference, I already knew many of the politicians who attended. It wasn’t the first time I met them. Instead, it was more like, “Oh, hey! Nice to see you again,” which was pleasant. We’re grateful for their support and for taking the time to come to Toronto. For example, I know James Bezan, a Member of Parliament in Canada. He’s very busy, so his commitment to spending an entire day supporting Ukraine meant a lot to me, SUSK, and Ukrainians in general.

It’s the same with Minister Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education, and the Minister of Energy. Both have shown incredible support for Ukraine. For instance, they attended the same conference in Poland a month before it came to Toronto, showing their continued commitment to Ukraine. Those connections are invaluable.

I enjoy joining all these volunteer organizations. I love talking to people, helping others, and being helpful whenever possible. At the same time, I also promote Ukrainian culture. I want to highlight that many Ukrainians in Canada still need help but are also hardworking, smart, educated, and resilient. Ukraine has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and incredible people; I want others to recognize that.

I see myself as a bridge between Canadian society and the Ukrainian diaspora. Many Ukrainians who recently arrived in Canada tend to stay within the diaspora because it feels like a small, close-knit town where everyone knows everyone. It’s almost a joke now in Toronto that every Ukrainian knows another Ukrainian, and honestly, it’s true.

At the Rebel Ukraine conference, I knew almost everyone from Toronto and Ottawa who attended because of previous conferences earlier that week. The only people I met for the first time were those who had come directly from Ukraine, such as the businessman Joachim. It’s funny how interconnected the community is.

Jacobsen: Advocacy for Ukraine comes with challenges. What have been some downsides to your work in unifying support for Ukraine? Are there disagreements—not about the need for aid but about how that aid should be delivered?

Baysa: Of course, there are disagreements. The biggest downside for me is the time commitment. Advocacy work takes up my free time and sometimes even cuts into my work time. For example, on the day of the Rebel Ukraine conference, I had to leave work early to attend on time. Balancing my work life with my personal life can be challenging, especially since I’m so devoted to Ukraine.

But ultimately, it’s worth it. Advocacy, connections, and cultural promotion are not just activities—they’re my passion. Even if they’re exhausting, I feel fulfilled knowing that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself.

It takes a lot of effort and time, and many people collaborate to get things done. One person cannot accomplish this alone. I strongly believe in teamwork. Without a good team and supportive people around you, success is almost impossible.

There are always differences in opinion regarding support. Canadian society, the Ukrainian community in Canada, and even Ukrainians in Ukraine all have their perspectives. The challenge I’ve observed is that everyone has their own opinion and believes they are right, which can lead to disagreements. Nobody wants to compromise; everyone wants to proceed with their idea of what’s right. However, listening to everyone and finding common ground is crucial—a shared path to providing support effectively.

For example, some Ukrainian Canadian organizations offer scholarships and grants to students. Recently, a debate arose about prioritizing newcomers over Ukrainian Canadians born here. The foundation prioritized newcomers, which some believe is unfair, while others consider it fair. I understand both sides. Ukrainian Canadians born here may feel undervalued because they are given priority.

In contrast, newcomers may feel unvalued due to language barriers and the challenges of adapting to a new country. These conflicts are minor but still present. Hopefully, they’ll be resolved soon.

It’s not easy to reach an agreement quickly. Finding one common idea for moving forward takes time, discussions, and meetings.

Jacobsen: Cultural preservation often plays a pivotal role in national defense, reminding people why the fight matters. With Ukraine’s distinctive culture, particularly in fashion and aesthetics, how have you incorporated Ukrainian traditions and styles into your work in the fashion industry?

Baysa: Thank you for asking. It’s very kind of you. I don’t usually talk about my artistic and fashion side with Canadians. Most of the time, we discuss my work or Ukraine in general. But fashion is my passion, as I like to say.

I am a tailor by profession. My grandmother was the first to teach me how to sew and tailor clothing, and I’m so grateful to her for passing on those skills. That’s how it all started. I also attended art school and studied the history of the arts back home, earning a Bachelor’s in the History of the Arts.

When I came to Canada, I pursued my childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. That dream started when I was about 10 or 11 years old. I can’t remember exactly when, but it was always in my heart. So, I found my way to Toronto Metropolitan University to begin that journey.

Before it was called Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), it was known as Ryerson. It has a great fashion program. I was lucky to meet another Ukrainian girl who went through the program. She’s graduating next year, so I asked her how it was, and she said, “It’s great. You should join if you love it and know how to do it.”

Since I had the opportunity and OSAP was available, I thought, “Why not?” That’s when I started. For the big final project of the year, we were tasked with creating our brand concept.

In my first year at TMU, our final project involved building the concept of our brand. This included designing graphics, creating descriptions, and other branding elements. Since I already had experience doing that kind of work, so I thought, “Why not launch my brand instead of just making a concept?” That’s how I started my brand, Livivna, named after my hometown, Lviv. It was also a long-time dream of mine, so I’m proud of it.

Livivna combines fashion and art. Its clothing is tailored specifically to each client, with hand-painted designs on top. The painted designs are permanent, so you can wash the clothing as often as possible, and the paint won’t fade or come off. People often ask, “Can you wash it?” I always say, “Yes, of course!” I’m happy with how it turned out—it’s truly a fusion of my passions for art and fashion.

Since I was already well-connected with the Ukrainian community, I started receiving invitations to Ukrainian community events. One notable event is the Okta Party, which happens every May, usually at the beginning of the month. It’s like a fashion show, bringing in talented designers to showcase their styles while celebrating the richness of Ukrainian culture. It’s a great way to engage with the community and so much fun. If you’d like, I can send you more details about it.

The organizer of the Okta Party is a Ukrainian-Canadian who was born here. He’s a wonderful, outgoing person who runs his cosmetic brand. He’s well-connected and regularly invites Ukrainian stars and singers to perform. For example, we had Alona Alosha last year, and the year before, he brought Tina Karol, a famous singer from Ukraine. I can send you his contact information, and you can contact him. He knows a lot and might be an interesting person to connect with.

The first invitation I received from him was to participate in one of his fashion shows, which was an amazing experience. He also organized the second event I joined—the Ukrainian Bloor Festival, which happens every year on Bloor Street. They close off lanes from Jane Street to Runnymede, dedicating all that space to a three-day Ukrainian festival celebrating our culture. It’s incredible! We also had a fashion show there.

I’ve also participated in a few fashion shows with Canadian organizers. Still, those events weren’t as big as the Ukrainian ones. The sense of community and cultural pride at the Ukrainian events is unparalleled. I feel so fortunate to be part of it all.

Recently, I launched a new collection for kids. My friend, who owns a modeling school and agency, suggested the idea, and I thought it was fantastic. That’s why I created the collection. We showcased it at my last fashion show for this year, which took place two weeks ago. It was fantastic and brought me so much joy. I’m very happy about it.

Even now, that event has made me make even more connections. It was outstanding. When I mention my hobbies, people are often surprised when I say tailoring or fashion. They usually think it’s about wearing nice clothes or shopping, but for me, it’s about literally creating fashion—designing, tailoring, and painting.

Fashion is my passion. Through it, I’ve been able to combine both art and fashion. I’ve also incorporated Ukrainian elements because most of my paintings are related to Ukraine or feature my brand’s symbol: a lion and the traditional Ukrainian doll Motanka. It has been a rewarding journey, and I look forward to achieving even more next year. I plan to expand into Europe, which excites me.

Through fashion, I also became involved with SUSK. I learned about them when the SUSK president asked artists to donate art pieces for a conference at SCSCAD in May. I volunteered and donated three of my art pieces. That’s how I got to know them.

After learning more about SUSK, I wrote a few articles for them when asked. I fell in love with the idea of SUSK, its purpose, and the wonderful people involved. Everyone is so kind. I applied for both roles when I learned they sought an external director and a National VP East. I’m technically handling both positions since we haven’t found a second person yet, but I enjoy the work. That’s how fashion and art connected me to SUSK.

Jacobsen: Looking forward, how do you envision the interplay of political engagement, fashion, and professional development evolving over the next couple of years? How do you balance personal growth with your ongoing solidarity efforts for Ukraine?

Baysa: Honestly, I don’t have a clear idea yet. One of my dreams is to work for a major art gallery in New York. I plan to achieve that next year. We’ll see.

For now, I truly love what I’m doing. I enjoy my full-time job and all the Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian organizations I’m involved with, even as a volunteer. It has all become a passion for me, and I feel fortunate. Everything I have now came together in the last two and a half years since I arrived in Canada. I’m grateful for it all.

Of course, there are better achievements to come—maybe next year, maybe the year after. It will require a lot of planning and hard work. For now, I’ll stay in my current job for a while. And who knows? Politics are starting to seem interesting, too.

I encourage young people to educate themselves—not just about politics, but about everything. It’s so important. Especially if you’re Canadian, you should know at least something about your government. Don’t just listen to everything the news says.

For example, take CP24. Practice critical thinking. Interviews are one thing, but when reporters share their opinions or interpretations, the facts can sometimes be presented inaccurately or misleadingly. Please do your research. Learn about the political parties and the government and how they all work.

Understand that certain laws or regulations limit what government members—whether MPs, MPPs, or even the premier—can do. They don’t have the power to make sweeping changes, like declaring, “No taxes tomorrow” or, “Yes, taxes tomorrow.” The process is long and far more complex than many people realize. Educating yourself on these processes and applying critical thinking is vital. Don’t believe everything you hear from the news, newspapers, or even your neighbours. Question and verify.

The same applies to Ukraine. Unfortunately, much of the news about the war isn’t always accurate. Often, it’s far from the full truth. Canadian news, for example, might avoid openly condemning Russia or talking about the full extent of the atrocities committed.

For instance, no one discussed what happened in Irpin, a city near Kyiv. Russian soldiers tortured and raped children there, ultimately murdering them. They left behind mass graves when they retreated. This happened in Irpin, Nova Kakhovka, and other places but was never reported widely.

These horrific acts weren’t covered at all. The media might report on bombings, but trust me, bombings are not the worst things that happen in war. Far more horrific things are happening—and they’re still happening.

Soldiers held in captivity are tortured and murdered. When their bodies are returned to their families, they’re often so mutilated that they’re barely recognizable as humans. Some look like Egyptian mummies—I’m not exaggerating. This is the reality, but it’s rarely talked about because it’s deemed too shocking or inappropriate for the public. Yet, it’s the truth.

I urge everyone to think critically about what they read and hear. Be discerning about your sources. Question whom you’re listening to and verify the information you receive.

Jacobsen: How can media professionals covering the war better understand the realities Ukrainians face on the frontlines and within the diaspora?

Baysa: Ironically, I’ve seen more work done within Ukraine, including interviews with human rights advocates and others directly involved, compared to engagement with the diaspora here in Canada. The diaspora’s story isn’t as widely told, and I think that gap needs to be filled. Media professionals should dive deeper into the lived experiences of Ukrainians here and abroad to present a fuller picture of the war’s impact.

Jacobsen: Was your time in Toronto and Calgary your first exposure to the Ukrainian community within Canada’s diaspora? How did these experiences shape your understanding or approach?

Baysa: That’s a great question. Start by not simply listening to what the crowd says. Go directly to the people. Talk with the immigrants, the newcomers, and especially those who came from the eastern side of Ukraine—cities that have been bombarded and destroyed. Trust me, they will tell you so much more than you’ll hear elsewhere.

But before talking with them, do some research. You should have some knowledge of Ukraine’s history because it’s complicated. It’s not as simple as “Ukraine was there, and Russia suddenly decided to start a war.” It’s much more complex than that. Trust me, understanding the history is crucial.

If you still need help understanding, talk to Ukrainians or history professors. I know a few are in Toronto, particularly at the University of Toronto. They can provide clarification and deeper insights. You can also contact Ukrainian organizations involved in the arts or humanities—they can share much more about Ukraine’s past and present.

Though you’re already doing this, the best approach is to go to Ukraine yourself. See what’s happening on the ground. Take pictures and videos and share them with people. That’s the most direct and impactful way for media professionals to gather and present accurate information to the public.

Another recommendation would be to trust smaller or medium-sized media outlets rather than large corporations. Let’s be honest: not everything the big corporations say is accurate, and not everything they choose to share with the public is the whole truth. Most of what they publish has been preapproved or influenced by higher-ups, with certain narratives being emphasized while others are excluded. Often, it’s not in their interest to share everything about the war—or any topic.

Take the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel, for example. I’m sure there are many more details we don’t know and might never know. I’ve never been there, and I’m uneducated about their history. I know the broad strokes but not the intricate details or the nuanced conflicts they’ve had over the years.

For Ukraine, I would recommend talking to survivors. For example, speak with survivors of the Holodomor—there are still a few alive today. I know one survivor who lives in Toronto now. He’s a living testament to that part of history. Similarly, talk to survivors of the Second World War.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any living members of the UPA (the Ukrainian Insurgent Army formed during the Second World War), as most were either killed by the Russians or sent to Siberia, where they likely died.

Listening to these individuals, who have lived through such experiences, can provide an invaluable perspective. Their stories are crucial for understanding Ukraine’s history and the broader context of its current struggles.

Unfortunately, there are no records of those individuals, so you won’t be able to talk with them. But yes, talk with the senior generation. Please speak with the older generation and let them tell you what happened. This will give you a sense of living in the Soviet Union during the Second World War and in the nineties.

Each decade is entirely different, and there’s a huge contrast. For example, the seventies and nineties in Ukraine were vastly different—the society, worldviews, economics, financial status of the country, and mindset of the people all changed dramatically.

Technologies have also played a transformative role. During the Second World War, we didn’t have the technologies we have now. Modern technology, like drones, has wholly changed warfare. Ukrainian soldiers widely use drones, but unfortunately, the Russian army also uses them. Drones are easy to buy, easy to sell, and relatively inexpensive. They’re accessible to anyone—people can even donate them. If a drone is destroyed, it’s not like losing a million-dollar weapon; it can be replaced more affordably.

So yes, talk to the senior generation to understand the past, and talk with young people, students, and people from various backgrounds. This way, you’ll gain different perspectives and opinions from those in various circumstances. For instance, I am from the western part of Ukraine, where Ukrainian is my native and first language. However, in Eastern Ukraine, most people’s first language is Russian.

I don’t blame them for this, considering the history. During the Holodomor, when millions of Ukrainians died, Russia resettled Russians into Ukrainian cities. After the Holodomor and the Second World War, Ukrainians became a minority in those regions. Many Ukrainians were forced to speak Russian to survive and improve their living conditions.

Under the Soviet Union, my mother, grandmother, uncles, and the older generations were required to learn Russian in school. They had no choice. Russian language and literature were part of the mandatory school curriculum until the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. It wasn’t optional; it was imposed on everyone.

Even after the Soviet Union collapsed, some schools in Eastern Ukraine continued teaching Russian for the next 20 to 30 years. So yes, talk with different people, get various opinions, and understand history deeply. That’s what I would say is the biggest issue for understanding this ongoing conflict and war—you need to learn history first.

You need to understand how Russia became what it is today. For instance, Kyivan Rus’ was not Russia—it was Ukraine. Russia took the name to make itself appear as a big country with a grand history, but that’s not true. Ethnically and originally, Russians came from Ukrainians. They stole our history, destroyed it, and then claimed all the accomplishments as their own.

For the past 300 to 400 years, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and now the Russian government have tried to erase Ukrainian history and culture. Their goal is to make Ukrainians believe they have no distinct culture and should be part of Russia. Learning history is important—people must educate themselves about these events and the languages involved.

When I came to Canada, one of the most common questions I received was, “Is Ukrainian the same as Russian?” No, it’s not the same. They’re slightly similar, but Russians don’t understand Ukrainian at all. They don’t speak or comprehend it. Russian originated from the Ukrainian language. That’s why understanding history matters.

I also advise against making biased statements without knowing the subject. People will get offended. If you have questions, I—and many other Ukrainians or knowledgeable individuals—would happily answer them, guide you, and help you understand.

Talk directly with people rather than relying on random articles on the Internet or news outlets like CP24. These sources rarely portray the full picture or show all the details. Many facts and events remain in the shadows, unmentioned by major media outlets.

Jacobsen: Is there anything you’d like to discuss that we haven’t touched on? So far, we’ve covered topics like politics, internships, immigration, fashion, outreach, and practical ways people can get involved.

Baysa: That’s it for now. Unfortunately, I have to go, but it was a great conversation. What you’re doing is truly inspiring. You’re not Ukrainian, yet you’re helping to raise awareness about Ukraine and encouraging others to do the same. That’s amazing. Doing this work is natural for me—I’m Ukrainian, so it’s expected of me. But for you, as a Canadian, it’s incredible. Please keep up the great work.

Jacobsen: I appreciate that. Thank you.

Baysa: You’re welcome. Thank you for the interview. Have a great day, and I genuinely appreciate what you’re doing for Ukraine.

Jacobsen: Thank you! It’s my pleasure.