Woman reflects on her home country as Regina celebrates Ukrainian Canadians

Kseniya Romanenko's life in Canada is very different than when she grew up and lived in Ukraine.

Romanenko came to Canada two years ago to be with her husband. She now resides in Balgonie and works in Regina, which is hosting the 25th triennial meetings of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress this weekend.

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"I remember my first breath," Romanenko said of her memories of when she first arrived in Regina.

"I remember when I first came to Regina, the smell of the air. It's absolutely different. In Ukraine, you feel it's dirty and here it's so clear."

Romanenko grew up in northern Ukraine and also spent time living in the capital of Kiev, which is also the country's largest city.

It was a surprise seeing wildlife like deer and rabbits when she first came to Saskatchewan, Romanenko said, as she was used to being a very busy city.

Even though she's far from her home country, Romanenko said she still feels very connected to Ukrainian people. She even works at the Ukrainian Co-op in Regina.

"There is no need for me to be in the Ukrainian community because I am already here. I see and meet Ukrainian people every day here."

Although her life in Ukraine was good, Romanenko said it's hard to tell others about the country.

"I can't tell you what's special about Ukraine because you have to go there, you have to see it. And Ukraine will be different for you."

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is celebrating 125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada.

It's the first time their meetings have been hosted in Saskatchewan.