Iryna Braun works as a settlement worker at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre and says more families continue to choose Portage as their new home. She notes that many prefer smaller, safer communities over larger centres such as Winnipeg.
“I believe Portage is still popular for newcomers,” notes Braun. “Lots of them are coming because of recommendations from friends, and they find it to be a safer place.”
She adds that Portage was not part of the federal immigration program that promotes certain Manitoba towns, which makes the city’s popularity even more significant.
“At the beginning of the war, many local employers were very willing to hire newcomers,” Braun says. “The support from local people was welcoming and helpful, and many families have already settled, bought houses, and enrolled their kids in schools.”
By 2024, Braun estimates that more than 200 families have arrived in Portage since the war began, likely representing close to 1,000 people.
Community grows as war continues abroad
Braun notes that prior to the war there were only a handful of Ukrainian families in Portage in more recent efforts to move here, not counting those who've been here for decades. That number has multiplied dramatically as refugees continue to arrive.
“There were not more than 10 families here before the war,” Braun says. “Now we already have hundreds of families who are building their lives in Portage.”
She adds that her own experience as a newcomer helps her in her current role supporting others.
“Nothing gives you a better idea of the situation than your personal experience,” Braun says.
Watching the conflict from afar
While organizing local celebrations, Braun says Ukrainians in Portage are still closely watching developments overseas. She points to ongoing negotiations involving international leaders, but warns that the situation remains fragile.
“The idea of a meeting with President of Russia was supposed to lead to an agreement about ceasefire, and that agreement was not reached,” continues Braun. “Even during the meeting, there were air raid alarms on the whole territory of Ukraine.”
She notes that her family still relies on apps that alert them to air raid sirens, and she uses the same system in Portage to check on her parents when they lose internet access.
“Just an hour ago the whole map of Ukraine was totally red,” Braun adds.
A message of resilience and thanks
As Independence Day approaches, Braun stresses that the celebration in Portage is both cultural and symbolic.
“No matter what they decide in Washington or Alaska, Ukraine will still remain independent,” says Braun. “It’s not the first war in our history. Over the last 250 years they have attacked us, and Ukraine still exists.”
The Ukrainian community in Portage la Prairie is preparing to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day with food, music, and activities for all ages. The event is set for August 24 at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the city’s northwest end.
Braun adds that the gathering will feature pierogies, snacks, bouncy castles, and cotton candy, along with cultural performances. She says the goal is to make the event welcoming for the entire community.
“We will have lots of Ukrainian snacks, including the famous pierogies,” says Braun. “There will be kids’ activities, a bouncy castle, and a candy cotton machine. We also have singing, dancing, and music.”
A donation box will be available for anyone wishing to support the church, with all contributions gratefully accepted. Braun adds that organizers are spreading the word through social media and local community groups, hoping for a strong turnout.
“I would like to say a big thanks to Portage Community Revitalization Corporation,” Braun says. “They are always very helpful, very supportive, and open to any initiatives that come from our community or any other community.”
She concludes by thanking the community for its support of Ukrainian heritage and culture.
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