MEDIA ADVISORY - International Scholars Convene at the Canadian Museum of History for Landmark Symposium on the Holodomor

The Holodomor Legacy Symposium brings together leading researchers from around the world to advance scholarship and global awareness of the Holodomor

OTTAWA, ON, May 4, 2026 /CNW/ -

WHAT: The Holodomor Legacy Symposium, a three-day international research symposium featuring presentations by scholars whose work examines the Holodomor, its historical context, and its enduring legacy. The symposium is a cornerstone event of the Holodomor Legacy Initiative and part of the broader project, Support for Exhibits at the National Museum of the Holodomor Genocide in Kyiv, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International in partnership with the Canada Ukraine Foundation.

WHO: 18 International researchers and scholars selected through a competitive global research grant process, representatives of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, officials from the Government of Canada, diplomats, and subject-matter experts. Keynote Speakers include Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada, Andrii Plakhotniuk; Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc (virtual); and Dr. Derek Congram, forensic anthropologist and archaeologist of SFU.

WHEN: May 5, 2026 - 8:30am to 6:00pm
             May 6, 2026. - 8:30am to 6:00pm

WHERE: Canadian Museum of History
                100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0M8

WHY: The Holodomor, the deliberate starvation of millions of Ukrainians by the Soviet regime in 1932–33, remains one of the most significant yet underexplored chapters of twentieth-century history. This symposium represents a major international effort to deepen scholarly understanding of the Holodomor and to promote its recognition worldwide. The event also underscores Canada's longstanding commitment to supporting Ukraine's cultural heritage and identity, particularly amid the ongoing threats to Ukraine's sovereignty.

BACKGROUND:

The Holodomor Legacy Initiative (HLI) is part of a broader multi-year project implemented by Cowater International in partnership with the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, with funding from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. The Initiative supports the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in Kyiv, Ukraine, through capacity building, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of Holodomor research and awareness on a global scale.

Through a competitive research grant process launched in February 2026 that attracted 60 applications from scholars on 6 continents, the HLI selected leading researchers whose work contributes new perspectives on Holodomor. The HLI Symposium provides a platform for these scholars to present their findings, exchange ideas, and contribute to a growing body of international scholarship on this critical chapter in history.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

• On-site interviews with international scholars and project representatives (available upon request)
• Photo and video opportunities during keynote addresses, panel discussions and opening/closing remarks
• B-roll footage of the symposium proceedings at the Canadian Museum of History

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Support for Exhibits at the National Museum of the Holodomor Genocide in Kyiv, is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International in partnership with the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. The Initiative supports the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide in Kyiv, Ukraine, through research, institutional capacity building, and global public awareness of the Holodomor, the deliberate starvation of millions of Ukrainians by the Soviet regime in 1932–33.

MORE INFORMATION – program, bios and details

https://www.cowater.com/hlisymposium

This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.

SOURCE Cowater International in partnership with the Canada Ukraine Foundation

MEDIA CONTACT - interview requests and media accreditation: Yaroslav Baran, Founding Partner, Pendulum Group, (613)-301-8802, [email protected]; Heather Bakken, Founding Partner, Pendulum Group, [email protected]