The Holodomor, which in Ukrainian means ‘death by hunger,’ was a man-made famine that tookplace in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933.

Although awide-reaching famine occurred in several Soviet states between 1931 and 1934,the Holodomor was unique in that the famine was worsened by a series ofpolitical decisions that impacted Ukraine and its people, resulting in thedeaths of millions.

In 1929, underthe rule of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union decided to collectiviseagriculture; peasant farmers across the country were forced to give up theirland with those who resisted facing imprisonment. Despite this risk, rebellionserupted in Ukraine, which the Politburo (the highest authority in Sovietgovernment) sought to quell. It passed laws, including restrictions onimporting food, which exacerbated ongoing food shortages. Amidst the famine, theSoviets also attacked Ukrainian cultural life and identity, as part of acampaign of repression targeting the Ukrainian language, figures in theUkrainian independence movement and the church.

Approximatelyfive million Soviets died in the famines of 1931 to 1934 (almost 80% of thesewere believed to be Ukrainian). The topic was taboo in the Soviet Union untilGlasnost, the shift toward “openness” in the 1980s. Since then, there has beenincreased recognition of this tragic chapter and reconciliation. HolodomorMemorial Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of each November – thisyear,  November 28 – and is commemoratedwith memorial services, educational events and candle-lighting ceremonies.Canada, home to a many people of Ukrainian heritage, first recognized theHolodomor as a genocide in 2008, and since then has worked to honour thevictims and survivors, and ensure the Holodomor is never forgotten.

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