STUDENT juwAusustmtsuppkment / ETUDIANT CANADA'S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR UKRAINIAN STUDENTS

'!Photo: D. Robineoo, The Globe & Mall Andriy Bandera 1946 — 1984

EDITORIAL We miss you, Andriy!

while What do you say at the loss of a friend? How ward off that empty feeling for just a do you come to terms with the fact that he no longer. a focal point longer is there to lean on, to joke with, to In many ways, Andriyko was argue with, to simply be with? How do you for us, even after our SUSK days were over capture and freeze for posterity those shared and we had set off in different directions, on moments of joy, frustration, relaxation, and our individual life paths. It was a given that reflection? regardless of one's political, religious or other This twelve-page commemorative issue of partisan affiliation, if one was in any way in-

Student is an attempt at expressing and re- volved with the Ukrainian community, sooner cording some of those feelings and moments or later one dealt with Andriyko Bandera. shared by many of us about, and with Andriy Translated in our case, this meant that Bandera. Highlighting various aspects of his whether we were preparing academic reports life, from his arrival in Canada to his career as on multiculturalism in Canada, submitting editor of The Ukrainian Eclw, the twelve community briefs to Ottawa or Queen's Park, pages hope to provide an informative and scripting ideas for radio or television pro- memorable look at Andriy. grams on a Ukrainian theme, fundraising, or All articles and photographs were submit- politiking in the community, at some point in ted by friends, relatives, and colleagues of the process you would hear: "Phone Andriy, Andriy and express their personal recollec- he'll give you the inside dope." "Ask Andriy, tions and sentiments. Such a personal ap- he's dealt with them before." "Sound Andriy proach we felt would be a most appropriate out on the matter." "Check with , reflection of who Andriy was and what he maybe he knows." "What does AndriyWay stood for. The issue itself is the collaborative about this?" effort of Student, the SUSK national ex- The fact that in the last few years t >se ecutive, and a group of former SUSKivtst who phrases often turned into "I wonder how -

felt that something had to be done to com- driy is doing; haven't seen him for awhile or memorate him—Andriy Bandera, former "Have you heard from Andriy lately?" is lue editor of Student, former member of the unfortunately to our seemingly incre? ing SUSK national executive, our long-time marginal or irregular activity in Ukrai ian friend and community activist. community affairs. He was always there, even when we were not. And now, in his _ death, we came together again if but to e- We gathered at Halya Kuchmij's place establish ties, a sense of belonging. after the funeral—we, one-time members of As the evening wore on, we broke into song SUSK— to commiserate, to talk about the to recapture Andriy's spirit and the essence of good old days, to let loose after an emotion- those earlier days when almost any occasion ally-charged day. We leafed through old Stu- (demonstration, conference, political debate, dent issues, passed around pictures of the wedding) ended in a rambunctious sing-song. 1974 Moroz hunger strike, recounted stories Tears welled up and voices choked as we and anecdotes of our shared experiences in sang "Maksym Zaliznak", "Zirvalasia Khur- the seventies. Andriyko figured in all of them. tovyna", "Oy u hat chermw. Kalyna"... Each of us had met him under different cir- Words that meant little to many of us before, cumstances, argued with him over different now evoked a sentiment that was hard to ex- issues, laughed and drank with him at dif- plain. Maybe because this music epitomized ferent parties, politiked and strategized with Andriy in some way. him at different congresses and conferences. As Marijka Hurko and I walked home along Some of us knew him very well; some of us Indian Road, the strains of "Ya S'ohodni Vid less so. Yet, he had become a part of us all. Vas Vidiizhdayu" ("I am leaving You today") Somehow each one of us had been touched by could be heard in the distance, drifting him and now we felt that loss. through the open balcony window. Somehow And. so, we came to be together because it was all very fitting. En route to the Winnipeg SUSK Congress, 1974 none could bear to be alone. We needed to We miss you, Andriy! We will not forget! O.M.K.

Following the death of Andriy Bandera, an ad hoc committee was establislied to assist Student , 19 1984 , with the publication of this commemorative issue. Gratefully donating their time were: Mykhailo , ,, Bodurkiw, Oles Cheren, Natalka Chyrska, Olenka Demtanchuk, Boltdan Klid, Halya Kuchmij, , , Lida Kudla, Olya Kuplowska and Andriy Semoliuk. . . We wotdd like to tfiatik the many individuals who contributed pfwtograplis and articles to this com- memorative issue. 16 1946 , ,, , "" ",", , , , "",, -'! .

This commemorative issue is being made possibie entirely through :, . donations. Ail . surplus monies will be given directly to Marusia Bandera. ., Further . donations are necessary. Please make cheques payable to: . STUDENT Newspaper, and mail to: STUDENT, c/o Cataract Press, Box . 1186, Postal Station A, Toronto, Ontario M5W 1G6. . . For more information please contact Oles Cheren: (416) 638-0659. .. A full disclosure o1 donations, in addition to a financial report will be . published in the next issue of STUDENT.

July/August 1984 • student • supplement 2 .

- — 1946 1984 "" , ,. , ' . ". .. — , " ", , . ," , . ," " , " ,, "- " , , , "", ".- , "., , ( . , "" ' ) ., , , , ,,," ., ' , ,,", , , "". . , , . "" - " ". , ' , -, " . , — . - , , , ,, - , ,- - " , , ", , , , , , - . , . , , . , ,,— , " " -— — , . , , , """ . ." ",- , , , " "., , . ,, ", , , , , , - , , - ,, . ." " 1984 , 1977 p.. 18 - , . ., \. , , " , ," . ". , , ", , . , , " , ., , ",, , - "-" ., . , , — , , . "" -"" . — — - — , " ",-. , ". "" 74 " , ,, ,, , '-, . , - ,, - , . ,", — . ... "— " - ", " " "," ', , 1984 ", , , , , , () ." — ", , . ""' , ,' - . ".". July/August 94 • student • supplement Andriy Bandera 1946 — 1984

A sentimental journey

By Andriy Semotiuk about Ukraine, a country he never saw with driy Bandera's leadership and focused na- In addition to having a keenly analytical his own eyes, than anyone else in his genera- tional attention on the hunger strike demand- mind, Bandera was an astute observer of peo- As I walked down the steps to the baggage tion bar none. ing Moroz's release. A key aspect in our ple's behaviour as was clearly demonstrated area of the Winnipeg airport, I was greeted at party It was not until 1973 that Bandera was to hunger strike was the fact that Bandera had to me one night when we went to a stag the bottom by a short guy with a moustache most effective work in this area by just obtained Soviet physicist Andrei Sak- together. I had only a few dollars with me and who recognized me immediately. The trouble start his forming the Committee for the Defence of harov's phone number. In the next few weeks I lost those quickly in a poker game. Bandera was that I didn't recognize him! Valentyn Moroz. The name was borrowed we were able to call and speak with Sakharov was also losing, but he had more money than I I bluffed my way along as he grabbed my from an earlier group who had worked on the on several occasions and he became our best so he stayed in longer. Everyone kept losing bag and led me out to his waiting car—an old to all night and after analyzing the Moroz case but let it slip away. The first source of news about Moroz. Who would the dealer convertible that sounded like it was running meeting took place at Hart House on the have thought then, that exactly ten years situation Bandera came to the conclusion that on two cylinders. It was August 1971 and we University of Toronto campus with about 10 later, two of his fellow hunger strikers would the dealer had been cheating. When he talked about the preparations for the upcom- The Committee started its ac- be carrying Andriy Bandera's coffin to his figured out how it was done, he called ing SUSK Congress while he drove me to 456 people present. petitions and fund rais- grave? everyone together and announced that he Main Street— the National Headquarters of tivities -with various the of ing. But it was not until the hunger strike in It was five years after the Moroz hunger would go through deck cards and pick the Ukrainian Canadian Committee. A SUSK Ottawa in July 1974 that the Committee's strike that the Soviet Union finally released out every high card in the deck based on the meeting was in progress when we arrived, work really started making an impact. Moroz to the West. Bandera couldn't believe way the cards were marked on the back. He but I managed to take someone aside to ask Sunday, in 1974, I went over to the news! But his great initial joy slowly turn- then did so, took the pot of money lying on the who he was. They told me he was Andriy One July had just learned that ed into profound disappointment as we began table and left. Everyone was absolutely Bandera. Bandera's house. He Valentyn Moroz, the Ukrainian dissident his- to realize that Moroz's attitude towards us left astonished! Things then started falling into place. I In retrospect, Andriy Bandera had an enor- remembered meeting him in Vancouver the rnous impact on the course of my life—more previous summer at a SUSK Congress. I than I was even aware of when we worked recalled being impressed by his logical together. Most of the significant activities I debating of issues but resented the fact that subsequently got involved in were inspired by the Ukrainian student leaders of that Con- Andriy Bandera's prodding and encourage- gress, people like Krawchenko, Petryshyn ment. He encouraged me to become a SUSK and Serbyn, were able to reconcile them- fieldworker and was my closest advisor when selves with him even though, to me, he I was SUSK president. He helped me for- represented the status quo in the community mulate the position paper that became the —a decaying leadership which would not step basis for the C.B.C. Action. He talked aside. Yaroslaw Botiuk into hiring me as his articl- Yet now in Winnipeg he was making a com- ing student. He convinced me to apply for the pletely different impression on me. He was position of Director of the World Congress of vibrant, full of hope, a dynamic community Free Ukrainians' Human Rights Bureau at activist. I still had my reservations about him, the United Nations and then convinced the but one incident during that meeting changed Presidium of that organization that I was its my entire attitude towards him. best candidate. He constantly nourished my The phone rang. Bandera picked it up. In a purposefully lowered, deep bass voice he sagging confidence in myself and was a great helped answered—"Kooook". With that one word, source of inspiration to me. He me identity "Ukrainianizing" (being the Ukrainian acronym for the Ukrai- solidify my own by "Andriy". I nian Canadian Committee) he characterized my name from "Andrew" to fact the one of our community's major problems know for a that he had same impact others. which we agreed on. We smiled at each other on society in and from that day on we were friends. It is a sad commentary on the The Winnipeg Congress went well and which we live that the non-Ukrainian media elected Marusia Kucharyshyn as President. did not consider the passing of such a noble Andriy Bandera worked the following year as and important figure of the Ukrainian com- his death has a full time fieldworker for SUSK. He devel- munity worthy of comment. But lives oped an outstanding ability to write briefs and caused many of us to reflect on our own chosen grant applications to governments, a talent he to compare the things which we have used again and again for the benefit of the to value with what was important to him. Ukrainian community in the years to come. In many ways Andriy Bandera's life was a After his year as a fieldworker for SUSK, heart-wrenching story. Long after most of his Bandera became more deeply interested in contemporaries abandoned hope, Andriy the question of Ukraine and devoted more Bandera remained true to his people and his time to this subject. This was understandable country. He challenged each one of us to in view of his antecedents. make an investment in the future of Ukraine. Andriy Bandera had been saddled with a And no matter how much any one of us in- heavy cross to carry with the assassination of vested, Bandera was prepared to invest as his father in Munich in 1959. No single event much and more. was more politicizing in Andriy Bandera's Every thing he did, every word he spoke,

life. But it should be clearly understood that every sentence he wrote was for the sake of a Bandera could have left this legacy behind Free Ukraine. I do not know if the people of him when he came to Canada under the as- Ukraine will ever hear of Andriy Bandera's sumed name of Andriy Popil. His choice, story or ever care to acknowledge his great however, was to follow in his father's contribution to their country's struggle for in- January, 1979 footsteps. dependence and freedom. But, I for one, bow Perhaps in part to better understand his my head in the deepest respect for the mem- father's death, Andriy Bandera became a pro- torian, had started a hunger strike demanding much to be desired. In the meetings Bandera ories he has left us and hereby rededicate my fuse reader of Ukrainian political literature. his release from strict confinement in Vladi- had with Moroz he described the latter as _ life to the pursuit of the same goals that were Initially he was consumed with literature con- mir prison just northeast of Moscow. We displaying no sense of camaraderie, no real in- so dear to him. cerning the assassination which a German discussed Moroz's case in depth reaching the terest in seeing Bandera, no sense of common Edmonton, 1984 court had found was orchestrated by Shele- conclusion that unless something was done in purpose and no gratefulness for the efforts on pin, the leader of the Soviet K.G.B. in 1959. the West, Moroz's hunger strike would his behalf. This attitude contrasted sharply No doubt the illnesses of his beloved mother achieve nothing. Petitions, demonstrations, with the warm greetings that Moroz and sister whom he cared for were a constant and even interventions by Prime Minister showered on other people whom he hardly reminder of this tragic event in his early life Trudeau had failed to gain Moroz's release. knew and who had done virtually nothing to and stirred within him the intense desire to We decided what was needed was some help him. Without doubt, Moroz was the help his people regain their lost homeland. As direct pressure on the Soviet Union by way of single greatest disappointment of Andriy his political interests broadened, he poured a solidarity hunger strike in the West. The Bandera's political life, over newspapers and books containing ma- next day, joined by Mykola Lypowecky, Lada It is very difficult in the course of a short terials about Ukraine. He read everything he Hirna and thereafter by Mykola Bidniak, we narrative such as this one to capture all the could get his hands on, and since he was cap- parked ourselves in a rented van in front of moments that we shared as friends during the able of reading English, Russian, German and the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa and began our course of a lifetime together. However, be-

Ukrainian he accumulated a formidable hunger strike. fore concluding, I would like to relate one knowledge about Ukrainian affairs. Indeed, During the next 17 days a whole network of brief vignette which gives some insight into Andriy Semotiuk is a former SUSK president. in my view, Andriy Bandera knew more volunteers in Ottawa was formed under An- Bandera's remarkable abilities. He is presently a lawyer with Semotiuk & Co.

July/ August 84 • student • supplement 4 1946 — 1984

Tear Drops in My Mind . Like tear drops in my mind , Memories of time . wash my soul Like tear drops on my cheeks , Memories make me remember. 1 , Remembering days of invoivement . and commitment to ideals and principles - makes my heart sing with sorrow . . as I recall all the moments of lives ( gone by. ) , The demonstrations, the hunger strikes , the rallies, the teach-ins, -- the interventions, the long hours . of discussion and sleepless nights , of organizing . and strategizing, planning and working strongly . for what we all believed in , even more strongly. : , - The faces, the people, ' the friends, . the enemies, , , our families, our lovers, . . , were all affected in some way by our youthful tight for justice. And now it all seems so distant and yet we struggle on , in our own little way, . . hoping for a better world , to live in. , ,. - And here we sit in 1975, the fall is coming upon us. . From an old friend . , . . 1984 (The Belarus Secret), ,., . , 1984 """, : ! . . .- ,!"! ..

: ^JVrsJ**. » ' . ' ,. ',. ', , , ,, ' , ., . ,'. — ' 1974 . , . , . . , , . . , , ', , . ,, . , . 1984 , ,.. , . — ' ( - ,' . , ) '1974 .. , . , ' , - - . ., 1974. . , , - , . Julv August 984 • student • supplements Andriy Bandera

Toronto, 1977

July/ August ism • student • supplement 6 1946 - 1984

1970 7 Winnipeg, March July/August 19S4 . student . supplement Andriy Bandera 1946 — 1984 Andriy Bandera and the The early days Ukrainian student movement of SUSK Ukraine. of multiculturalism and propagated them to priorities and tactics with regards to By Bohdan Krawchenko By Roman and Marusia Petryshyn his friends and to the National Executive of In these debates there were traditionalists It was at the Vancouver in Periodically events coincide to make a gener- the Ukrainian Canadian Committee (UCC) and the new activists. Andriy struggled to SUSK Congress 1970 that I met Andriy. was sitting on a ational experience unique. Such events seem where he sat as SUSK's representative. balance both — keeping his loyalty to the na- He table, relaxed. The people who introduced us to occur when public and personal situations Characteristically, he preferred working for tionalist movement yet accommodating those had expected sparks to fly. After all, we were overlap, each fulfilling the other. The events reform within the organization. During Canadian issues in which the nationalists had supposed to represent opposite poles of the may develop some historical value, while the SUSK's later efforts to democratize the UCC, little interest and no worked out position. political spectrum—but we got along. Andriy personal experiences leave a permanent im- his knowledge and experience proved useful On the issue of multiculturalism Andriy was a friendly and approachable person. He pact on a personality, long-term friendships, to us, as he drew large wall charts analyzing maintained a consistent interest which was was a nationalist-populist and above all, a careers and memories of participants. the byzantine structure of this organization. later reflected in his political involvement as committed militant. While he not have This was the case with Ukrainian Students In retrospect, we believe that much of what editor of the Ukrainian Echo. may appreciated some of the overt left-wing in Canada in the late 1960's and early 1970's. attracted Andriy to student activism was our Throughout his career Andriy sought to rhetoric of the Congress, he loved the new The historical question of the status of Que- philosophy of direct action. Drawn from maintain a broad spectrum of contacts, par- energetic and combative tone. joined the bec and the French language burst upon the techniques of civil disobedience developed by ticularly with people who were often op- He Executive Canadian public. Though repetitive in Cana- Saul Alinsky, much of SUSK's radical reputa- posites — intellectuals, anti-intellectuals, left SUSK (along with Khrystia Hnativ) as a representative to the dian history, it was the first time that Ukrai- tion derived from our willingness to scom in- and right political activists, emigre and in- SUSK Ukrainian Canadian (UCC), nian Canadians were able and willing to react. flated civil servants, demonstrate in front of digenous Ukrainian Canadians. This broad Committee Win- Students became the vanguard for the com- the Soviet embassy, or go on a hunger strike approach was an expression of his national nipeg. He had the unenviable task of explain- "bal'ky munity in analyzing the situation and fighting to force the Prime Minister to see us and Ukrainian sentiment. For him it was a deep ing SUSK to our narodu". We would for Ukrainian rights in Canada. discuss the issue of Soviet political prisoners. felt, personal feeling that, as his friends, we moan about the shortcomings of that Simultaneously, the dissident movement in Andriy was always in the middle of these mili- shared when we often visited his home. Such organization and he would lace his reports of the U.S.S.R. had won legitimacy in the west- tant actions. We recall planning strategy after feelings were the link that made him a friend Ukrainian Canadian Committee activities em press. The politics of the Ukrainian op- strategy for an effective demonstration with and a dmzhba at our wedding. with a good measure of humour. position fit the political mood of the west and him at the Brunswick House. How much we Although his family responsibilities were Andriy's primary commitment was always found a specific resonance among identity- enjoyed it. At the heart of his motivitation was not often easy, Andriy had a joy and involve- Ukraine. At the 11th SUSK Congress in Win- seeking, post-war Ukrainian youth. a deep commitment to advance Ukrainian in- ment in life. This was reflected in his mar- nipeg I remember his excitement at the ex- Thus in contrast to years of sterile symbolic terests in Canada and the cause of the Ukrai- riage with Marusia, who brought him happi- cellent display booth dealing with Ukrianian politics, the students of 1968-1972 were nian people. ness and support and his three wonderful political prisoners. This was something he faced with the then new issues of multicultur- Andriy carried out his involvement with children Stefan, Dania and Olenka who com- could identify with wholeheartedly. alism and Ukrainian dissent. Student acti- SUSK in Winnipeg without undue attention pleted their marriage. As friends we continue In the autumn of 1970, I left for Europe. I vism mattered and we were prepared to lead to his historical name. His own involvement to remember Andriy's commitment personal- returned intermittently and then for good, in and force change. established his reputation as a student ac- ly and warmly. His commitment stands as an the autumn of 1975. During those years An-

At that time Andriy Bandera was a student tivist. Inevitably, the consequence of being example to us all. driy and I had many passionate political at the University of Manitoba. He came into Stepan Bandera's son took on greater impor- Edmonton, 1984 debates ... the situation in the Ukraine, the SUSK as one of a group of activists who tance after Andriy moved to Toronto. Unlike Ukrainian immigration, the European left. sought to have SUSK become a national polit- the west, where post-war immigrants were Roman Petryshyn is a former SUSK activist. We tended to agree on what was wrong but ical movement. Andriy was mobilized by the less numerous, in Toronto, Andriy became His is presently Assistant Director, Cultural we did not concur on the way forward. But I style and political concerns being experienced more involved in emigre politics at the same Heritage Branch, Alberta Culture. Marusia remember with fondness the sense of urgen- by Ukrainian students across Canada. A very time he was in SUSK. In time this led to dif- Petryshyn is a foiwer SUSK president. She is cy and the passion of those discussions. It is social person, Andriy picked up on the ideas ferences in opinion, particularly over SUSK's presently a lawyer in Edmonton. sad to realize that Andriy will no longer be part of the debate. Edmonton, 1984.

Bohdan Krawchenko is a former SUSK presi- dent. He is presently Deputy Director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies. Andriy Bandera in the early 70's

By Marko Bojcun

I first met Andriy Bandera in November 1970 the January 31, 1971 demonstration in Ot- Andriy did not agree with the leftward shift political outlook between himself and the at the SUSK office in Toronto. Andriy and tawa, the April rallies, a petition campaign, in SUSK and the Set Them Free Committee generation of his father Stepan. Andriy was a Marusia Kucharyshyn were full time organiz- lobbying trips to Ottawa and the October '71 in 1972 and 1973. But he was a democrat who child of the North American youth radicaliza- ers for the Union during Marusia's term as hunger strike in Winnipeg. The following fought hard for his positions and accepted ma- tion and the new opposition movement in president. Working out of a tiny, smoke-filled year it was the Kosygin demonstration at the jority decisions. He defended SUSK from its Ukraine. That was why he joined SUSK. He room on the corner of Harbord and Spadina Ontario Science Centre, the public inquiry in- detractors, including a vociferous contingent did not see the world in simple terms of com- Avenue, they led the national executive, co- to police brutality against demonstrators in the camp of the banderivtsi. munism and the free world, east versus west. ordinated its major projects and kept regular there and the legal defense of those arrested During these years Andriy spoke to me He saw there were injustices everywhere and contact with SUSK clubs across the country. and beaten by the police. about the situation in the OUN-b (Bandera tried to measure them in the same terms. He Andriy recruited me to SUSK and the cam- 1 was involved with Andriy in the planning wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Na- judged people by their actions and consisten- paign for the release of Valentyn Moroz. It of the 1972 Cesus congress in Toronto which tionalists, led once by his father Stepan). He cy of principles. was first my contact with radical Ukrainians, provoked so much criticism in the nationalist believed it was time for the old guard to step When the Set Them Free Committee split introduction to the my Ukrainian question "in press for its focus on liberation movements aside and hand power to the younger genera- in 1973 into a Committee in Defense of Soviet the east and west". around the world, the appearance of an IRA tion. He wanted to reform the OUN and steer Political Prisoners and the Committee for the For the next three years we worked to- speaker and screening of a film on Mozam- it in a more militant direction. He looked to Release of Valentyn Moroz, we went our gether on the Moroz campaign, organizing bique. SUSK members for support, because they separate ways. But we remained friends and

were the kind of people he wanted to work continued to meet regularly until I left for

with vis-a-vis Ukraine - activists, self-educa- Europe in 1974. 1 saw Andriy very little after ted organizers who cared little about their returning to Toronto until the last year of his personal careers and were committed to the life when we covered the same events in the cause. community for the newspapers Ukrainian However, there was considerable tension Echo and New Perspectives. He wasn't very between SUSK and the leadership of the ban- happy with the state of affairs around him, derivtsi at that time, and Andriy belonged to especially the lethargy and conservatism of both sides. More precisely, he was stuck in the the times. He proposed we work together on middle and answered before the OUN leader- something practical. I agreed, but somehow ship for all the non-conformist ideas that his time ran out before we got down to it.

SUSK displayed. I know that he got a lot of Andriy Bandera gave himself to the cause of flak for siding with SUSK. He also supported human emancipation and Ukraine's libera- an emerging left-wing current in TUSM - the tion. Vichna YomuPamiat! U.S. student wing of the OUN-b. It was not Toronto, 1984 that he agreed with all of their ideas, but the left wingers were leaders who built up TUSM

and made it into a militant, action-oriented organization. Though Andriy was a nationalist through Marko Bojcun is a former SUSK president and SUSK Office, Toronto, 1971. and through, there were big differences in editor of New Perspectives.

July/ August 1984 • student • supplement 8

V 1946 - 1984 , , '. . . , , , . 1970- , , . , : ', , ,,.. , ,. , , ,., ,, 90% . , . , — Yorkton Collegiate. Winnipeg, 1963 , "", -,— . - — , ., , ' : ,, ,,, , ,, . ,,' "",— , . . — . , ( . . , 1984 , , , , , ,, : ", . . , ). ". !"" , . , ... , . . , "",. . ,, . — ', -. — . . ." " , , , " ", , , ,- ., . ,, . 19 , .., -. . ,. . , , ' , , . , ,, ., ' '! . . , " ', , , ". , , - . . , ., , , , , . , , 1984 ., . , . — , , — ; . . ' ' . . . . - , 1972 ' , , . July/August 19&4 • student • supplement9 Andriy Bandera 1946 — 1984

Andriy Bandera in the Canadian political arena

With selfless dedication, at the sacri- By Yuri Shymko often Group, pointing out the plight of the persecu- fice of his family life, he set aside personal am- ted members of the Helsinki Monitoring To praise and glorify with antlmns swelling. - bition, career and material pursuits, prepared Groups in the Soviet Union. Fan the fragrant incense smoking sweet, to test change alone if necessary. In the sum- He made representations before the Stand- Few men ofgenius among us dwelling, mer of 1974 he initiated the hunger strike in ing Committees on External Affairs and So why not bow before them as is meet? solidarity with hunger strikes in Soviet Defence as well as Manpower and Immigra- prisons and camps by Ukrainian prisoners of tion, where he pressed for greater emigration But I would bring these titans all together, conscience. from the U.S.S.R. under the family reunifica- And taking off my , I'd tell them clear. Andriy was capable of subtle persuasion as tion provisions and for the acceptance of more I shall not sing paeyis to you ever. well as the occasional stubborn confrontation. Ukrainian immigrants from South America. Nor with praises titilate your ears. His enthusiasm and initiative infected and He lobbied with equal zeal against Canada's motivated others. Once a project was under- importation of Soviet Lada cars and Bielorus You are wise, your thoughts frank and undistorted way there was no stopping it! It would require tractors. He worked with other Eastern Euro- Tell me then, in truthfulness. I pray: volumes of research to adequately document pean communities as well as with the Jewish WJio and why lias made ofyou immortals? activities and projects that stand today as wit- community on common projects in a spirit of Who and why Ims so prolonged your days? ness and lasting monuments to Andriy Ban- solidarity and cooperation. dera. They can be found in the permanent ar- At the provincial level, Andriy was the ma- Speak, proclaim, so tiiat all men might learn it, chives of Ministry offices, in official govern- jor catalyst of new legislation amending the And, for their own good, might know it clear; ment recommendations, draft reports, dis- Estates Act to prevent the blatant Soviet rip- It was mortals to immortals turned you. carded speeches, the Hansard records of our off of Canadian estates. He promoted and It was mortals who prolonged your years. Federal and Provincial parliaments, tele- devised a formula allowing for property tax vision video tapes, press archives, filed reso- exemptions to ethnocultural centres that And, in the liope tlxat falcon wings would lift you would meet municipal government criteria. In To the heaven of immortality, lutions, petitions and memorandums stored in all of Andriy's efforts he with ah All their wisdom mortal men did give you, the cabinets of various institutions and organ-' worked political parties in a professional and Drop by drop, like honey from the bee. izations. non- It is such an irony that more often than not, partisan manner. You became a bannerfor the People his work remained anonymous. Others deliv- Last, but not least, he personally urged and individuals, Battling against darkness for the right. ered his written speeches, signed their names motivated myself for one, to run Geniuses! You immortals! Meekly to his resolutions, officially presented his pre- for political office, regardless of party affilia- Kneel in homage before mortals' might! pared petitions and were publicly acclaimed tion or political jurisdiction. His unwavering and applauded for his ideas, directions and in- loyalty to friends was a paramount trait of his

Vasyl Symonenko* itiatives. But that is the way Andriy wanted it. character. He never sacrificed his principles I recall vividly a mass rally that was planned for political expediency. 'Translated by Vera Rich. The Ukrainian Herald, Issue IV, and organized largely on his initiative. The I would like to once again refer to Symonen- ABN Press, Munich, 1972. date was November 11, 1972. It was a Re- ko, whose poetry inspired the generation to membrance Day Tribute held by Toronto's which Andriy belonged. Men are immortal be- Of all of Symonenko's poems, this was Aji- father. To Andriy, this also symbolized the Ukrainian community at Nathan Phillips cause we mortals award them immortality. of citizen of driy Bandera's favourite. 1 recall one of those universal status the world, which Square. It was the year of mass arrests of Although Andriy never sought in life the fra- sleepless social evenings marked by heated appealed to his free nature. dissidents in the Ukraine. Avraam Shiffrin, grant incense of praise, he was one of those remained loyal to his father's principles pseudo-philosophical discussions. The con- He recently released from the Gulag, was the young men of genius; one of those young ti- and goals and to the political movement that is versation focused on "national hero worship" main speaker. There was an ecumenical ser- tans of the Ukrainian nation whom "falcon identified with his name. Similarities between and Andriy cited Symonenko's words. He vice. A candlelight vigil highlighted one of the wings would lift to the heaven of immortal- repulsed the blind adulation we often father and son notwithstanding, Andriy was by most successful public rallies in Canada. A ity". 1 perceived that and different were accord the dead. Death to Andriy was a wor- new means common chain of remembrance linked Flan- Yes Andriy was in many ways an inspiration needed in ship and a homage to life. The dead must the changing political environment der's Fields, the beaches of Normandy, Aus- for a young generation of Ukrainians bom out- he incorporated serve the living in death as they had served and these with the common chwitz and Vorkuta with the Gulag. Andriy side the borders of their parents' homeland, them in life. goals of the past. had organized the press conference, prepared "battling against the darkness for the right". This is why I find this poem by Symonenko Andriy made the word his weapon and he the releases and written the solemn proclama- The mortal and humble temple that temporar- relevant in this directed it at public — paying special tribute to a world opinion its free tion to be read by the Ukrainian Canadian ily sheltered his soul is not with us any longer, friend, a confidant, a Ukrainian patriot and a institutions, its opinion-makers and its gov- but his Committee, (UCC), president. This is the only immortal spirit lives on. He will live as Canadian whose youthful life was so cruelly ernments. In stark contrast to his father's pro- spirit will stir time I recall Andriy publicly reading a resolu- long as the of liberty the hearts snatched, like minence and stature "national Symonenko's, in the prime of as a leader", tion to the Government of Canada he had of men; for as long as the sun will rise and set his creative years. The poem is so appropriate Andriy persistently shunned the limelight of a land called Ukraine. kneels in written. He had to do it. No one else could on Today he because today Andriy is among those whom public forums. He worked behind the scenes decipher his handwriting! homage before the infinity of life; before the as a journalist a Symonenko described as truly immortal. and determined lobbyist of Andriy was an astute lobbyist of Ukrainian present and future living generations. May July 1984, Toronto Star various domestic and international causes. On 21, The herald- causes at all government levels. At the federal God grant him eternal life! Vtchmya Pamyat! Andriy's death His concerns ran the entire — multicul- ed to the Canadian public in a gamut level his involvement began in the late sixties bold headline: turalism, minority rights, immigration, "Andriy Bandera dedicated his edu- and early seventies following the release of Toronto, 1984 life cation, senate reform, constitutional to the cause of freedom for Ukraine". changes, the fourth volume of the Royal Commission This indeed human rights, foreign policy reviews and was a fitting epitaph for our peti- on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. For over a beloved Andriy. served tions to the U.N. In all he did, strived He the interests of the he to en- decade he kept in close touch with the Yuri Shymko is a member ofthe Ontario Provin- Ukrainian in abroad. sure the survival of the identity in community Canada and Ukrainian Ministers and staff responsible for the policy. cial Parliament. But above all, he promoted and assisted his Canada and of the Ukrainian nation in the In Ontario he was a key lobbyist for the in- enslaved Ukrainian nation in its world. Andriy possessed the unique ability historic to troduction of the Heritage Language pro- struggle towards national independence. integrate Ukrainian issues This with those that gramme. In 1979 he presented a submission was his raison d'etre. were relevant to society at large. was able He on the policy of multiculturalism to a closed During his short lifespan Andriy con- to demonstrate that ethnic concerns were session of the Federal P.C. Caucus. tributed greatly to the growth, development relevant to all citizens. The goal of an in- In 1980 he was appointed by Premier Davis and prosperity of Canada. He promoted a dependent Ukrainian state was an integral to the Ontario Advisory Council on Multicul- wide range of policy changes that affected all principle inseparable from and applicable to turalism and Citizenship. As chairman of the Canadians regardless of their all origin. For the nations. Council's Committee on Intergovernmental average citizen, political involvement means He often described the pulse of a communi- Affairs, he prepared the first public recom- occasionally casting a ballot during elections. ty and of a nation as alternating con- between mendation to entrench multiculturalism in the Andriy was the antithesis of average. stricting and expanding forces. The constrict- constitution. Apathy, cynicism and indifference to any ing centripetal forces characterized a ghet- by Andriy was also a human rights activist. He political involvement was anathema to him. to mentality, isolationism, suspicion, fear and was among the leading spokespersons dele- He epitomized citizenship insecurity responsible and may have been necessary in the gated by the Ukrainian Canadian Students total participation in our political process, past for sheer survival. yet The needs of the pre- Union who successfully sought and received a he was not a Canadian citizen himself. sent were different. These forces had to be retraction of former Prime Minister Tru- At first glance this changed may appear to be a con- into positive currents of outreach deau's comparison of Ukrainian dissidents tradiction, but as Andriy explained to me and expansion. with the F.L.Q. once, Canada was and would continue to be Andriy felt this could be accomplished Following the signing of the Helsinki Ac- the best and only adopted homeland for him- through determination, unity, understanding cords, Andriy was the UCC's leading advo- self and his family. But as far as he was con- and cooperation among community leaders. cate before the Federal government, demand- cerned, his choice of citizenship would be Confidence and the courage to experiment ing that it press the U.S.S.R. to comply strict- within an independent Ukraine. with change, coupled with the vision and im- ly with the Accord's human rights and family Until such a day transpired, he wished to re- agination of a younger generation, were reunification provisions. He worked closely main classified as "stateless", as was his called for if the community was to develop. with the Canadian Parliamentary Helsinki SUSK, Thunder Bay, 1971

JULY^AUGUST 19&4 • STUDENT • SUPPLEMENT 10 1946 — 1984

Andriy Bandera in Winnipeg

By Rostyslaw Surowy The late mid and 1960's were turbulent years. have agreed with some of their thrusts, but he It the of was age student rebellion throughout believed for the most part, they were wrong the world. Questioning old mores was the rule in their approach. He never failed to say as rather than the exception . And so it was in the much. student life of Andriy Bandera. It was an age Above all else, Andriy was a Ukrainian when eastern nations were displaying in- patriot. The question of Ukrainian in- creased nationalism and western democracies dependence was foremost in his mind and he were diluting theirs. Both worlds were in a was determined to pursue this to its conclu- turmoil. In the west "baby-boomers" were sion. I dare say this is the reason I agreed with flexing their muscles and achieving adult- him. This noble goal occupied much of his hood. time. This theme kept us debating often into What an incredible time! Everyone who is the early hours of the morning. now in their mid-thirties found themselves In the mid 1960's Andriy organized a chap- pressured by their surroundings to comform ter of the Ukrainian University Students of to the old status quo or to completely re- Michnowsky (TUSM) in Winnipeg. He sur- evaluate their position and stride in a bold, dif- rounded himself with the most dedicated and ferent direction. This dichotomy proved capable of his colleagues and in 1967 he disasterous to the emigre Ukrainian com- directed a successful protest against the munity. American Communist leader, Lightfoot. The Andriy had the misfortune of being caught student protests at the Playhouse Theater at- The Summer of 1984 in the middle of this irreversible process. On tracted some 200 young followers and receiv- Dearest Brother of ours, the one hand there was a certain expectation ed outstanding press coverage. It was this ac- of him, and on the other there was the chaotic tivist role that Andriy loved. This fare thee well. organiza- turbulence of the new "hip" generation. If on- tional triumph was the spark that awakened

ly this trend could be isolated; but it could not and matured within us a dormant sense of and Andriy's attempt A Golden Student you'll always be. to balance between the Ukrainian pride. From that point, Ukrainian old and new waves was an impossible task. nationalism became a passionate committ- But, You died for our cause, my God, he tried! ment among TUSM members. It has per- As a student, Andriy was rebellious. He sisted to this day. was often defiant in his approach to many Andriy thrived activism. with pen in hand. on He encouraged problems—no less to his evaluation of history. others to get involved. Through his efforts the His outspoken opinions of historical questions Ukrainian Youth Association (SUM) was ac- processes earned tive; You fought for freedom, and him respect from his TUSM was a force; and Andriy's mag- confreres often scolding the old netic personality provided to debate in times of peace and a from much elite who simply expected Andriy to fall in about. In short, it was an inspiring time! and turmoil. A true revolutionary. line. In those times, Andriy would have none No matter what is said of Andriy in those of that. He struggled to keep his individuality. student years, I know him only as a dedicated Andriy was Andriy! His all too liberal and and often inspiring Ukrainian nationalist. ideas and approaches he dis- You used every trick In the book democratic views often found disfavour in the There were Ukrainian status quo, Yet, his views did not agreed with, but the ultimate aims and goals drift far enough in order to label him radical as of nationalism were always steadfast in his You laughed certain groups would have liked. mind. He lived for the ideal of Ukrainian in- This dichotomy forced Andriy to walk a dependence each day of his life, never waver- fine line. He wanted to dance to his own tune, ing in his pursuit of truth. As a student, An- not himself to the driy may not have always convinced everyone You cried, you sang, you wrote, but he could bring abandon searched for a to agree with his methods, however his objec- you kicked butts, and you smoked them too. significance of his name. He tives were consistent with the noblest of You cajoled and pleaded with some compromise, yet, no matter what he did, Ukrainian aspirations. Andriy was not so And argued with others someone always found fault. Psychological pressures from all corners to have Andriy abhorent to the idea of communism— but it conform were enormous. Add to that the was his hate of Moscow and what it had done that drove him to struggle Along many fronts pressure he put on himself and one can only to him and Ukraim across many lines begin to understand the confusion and pain he in the way he did. This early period of his life would later become. (and party ones too) must have felt. Rarely did he show his emo- molded him into what he tions. He simply surpressed them. As for the rest— let history judge. Andriy was often critical. He was critical of You fought with all the "isms" Winnipeg, 1984 You fought honourably as you could his professors at the University of Manitoba with whom he often debated. He was critical You periled and fasted of the Ukrainian elite whom he wanted to see critical new and you spun tales no one could or wanted to believe more decisive. He was of the wave that he saw as confused and striding too Rostyslaw Surowy is a fanner president of boldly in the wrong direction. He always TUSM, Winnipeg. He is presently a member of would "come around". He may the TUSM national executive. You fired up many generations of Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike hoped they You had many friends and of course, some very sick enemies inside & out. You never gave up your principles and you went out with a bang.

You fought for oppressed Ukrainians and a free Ukraine. You fought for human and civil rights.

Your dedication, your zealous efforts cost you your life.

Fare well dear friend of ours, someday the world will understand how great your efforts were

Yours sincerely, Stephen Welhasch New York, 1984

P.S. Long live your struggle, our struggle, and a Free Independent Democratic Ukraine!!! In conference, 1971

JULY'AUGUST 198-» • STUDENT • SUPPLEMENT 11 1946 — 1984

Release prisoners demanded " , , . 16 1946 . . 19 1984 ,,, , ,,, ." ,, ,- . .'

July/ August is-84 • student • supplement 12