The Ukrainian Connection

Strategic planner, public policy analyst and travel enthusiast Nadiya Miftakhova

Most people pay scant attention to government policy and public administration, but not so for Nadiya Miftakhova, a Strategic Planner with Crown Investments Corporation and a graduate of the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Working in government has always been top of mind for this career policy wonk, and while Nadiya enjoys learning about the technical interplay of business and politics, she also likes cinema, theatre, studying French, working out, travelling with her family and friends, and volunteering any time remaining from her busy schedule.

Kevin Tkachuk: ex-international rugby stalwart for Canada turned high school history instructor

Kevin Tkachuk in many ways epitomizes the adage said of rugby: it’s a sport for hooligans played by gentlemen. The former Glasgow Warriors prop forward represented Canada at more than 50 international matches, including at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, but a decade since his playing days ended, this Oxford-educated Regina native now teaches history to young boys and girls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at The Hill School—one of the most prestigious private academies in the United States.

Award-winning author, singer-songwriter and former teacher Marion Mutala

A former elementary and high school teacher in Saskatoon of English and Creative Writing, Marion Mutala has written 16 books to date, most famously her “Baba’s Babushka” series which reflects her childhood memories and rekindles the loving, guiding spirit of her maternal grandmother who settled on the prairies more than 100 years ago. Originally from the Hanley-Kenaston area of Saskatchewan, Marion has a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and her books have won several awards, including the The High Plains Award for Best Children’s Book in 2015. Her most recent work is “Live Well: My Ukrainian Upbringing and Other Stories” available now at babasbabushka.ca.

Football coach, youth worker and civic booster with a big heart: Taras Kachkowski

He's a big fish in the relatively small pond that is Prince Albert, SK: former broadcaster turned youth worker Taras Kachkowski has made an impact on the city's amateur sport, arts and culture scenes, mixing his enthusiasm for classic rock with a penchant for attracting positive attention in everything he does.

Veteran volunteer, immigration consultant and newly expectant mother, Iryna Matsiuk

Born and raised in Ukraine but now calling Saskatchewan her home, Iryna (Ira) Matsiuk talks about her travels to find people like herself to work in her adopted country, her brief foray into small business, and why volunteering in all kinds of festivals and events makes her feel more Ukrainian and Canadian at the same time.