“Whoever liberates themselves shall be free Whoever is liberated by others captive shall remain” These words etched into the bronze of the Lesya Ukrainka Statue in Toronto’s High Park resonate with power. They are a fitting tribute to the remarkable life and works of this iconic Ukrainian poet and playwright.
The Lesya Ukrainka Statue a gift from the Women’s Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Committee stands as a testament to her enduring legacy. Created by Mykhailo Chereshniovsky in 1975 the statue is a powerful representation of a woman whose words challenged empires and whose spirit continues to inspire. It’s more than just a bronze figure. It’s a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and a beacon of artistic expression.
Lesya Ukrainka wasn’t just a writer she was a fierce advocate for Ukrainian independence and women’s rights. Born Larysa Kosach she adopted the pen name Lesya Ukrainka meaning “Lesya the Ukrainian woman”. This choice itself reflects her dedication to her homeland and her identity. Her works poems plays and prose explored themes of freedom love and the struggle against oppression. She wrote in a time when Ukrainian was suppressed by the Russian Empire. Her act of writing and publishing was deeply political.
The statue itself isn’t just bronze and granite. Think of the countless hands that helped bring it here. Think of the countless Ukrainians who have gathered here each summer since its unveiling to honor her memory. Imagine the conversations shared the stories passed down the sense of community fostered by this singular presence. The Lesya Ukrainka Statue in High Park is a gathering place a focal point for the Ukrainian community in Toronto. It’s a living monument continually evolving through memory and shared experience.
The inscription on the statue is not just a quote. It’s a call to action a reminder that true freedom comes from within. It’s an idea that continues to resonate especially during times of struggle and oppression. Lesya Ukrainka’s message of defiance and hope continues to echo powerfully through this statue.
So stand here before the Lesya Ukrainka Statue. Let her story her words and her enduring spirit inspire you. She continues to challenge us to fight for freedom and embrace our own unique identities. Remember her words. Remember her legacy. Remember her courage.