Thanks to the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) Ukrainians and their family members are granted free, extended temporary status which allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home.

Some of those Ukrainians have made their temporary homes here in Jasper. In collaboration with freelance journalist Oksana Polivchak, The Jasper Local is debuting a series of profiles with members of the Ukrainian diaspora in our community. 

Maria Shinkarova spent most of her life in the ancient Ukrainian city of Kiev, but she was born and raised in northern Russia, near the border with Finland. Her family moved to Kiev when she was 13 (“I am grateful to my parents they made that choice”), she lived in France and spent eight years in China before moving back to her home. Her husband is a 2014 war veteran from the conflict in Crimea. 

OP: What did you do before the 2022 war in Ukraine?

MS: I was one of the volunteers working with wounded soldiers and their families in Kiev’s National Military Clinic Hospital, part of the Ministry of Defense. Thus, for us, the war started in March 2014. I also have experience working in the operations team of software development companies and as the billing lead in a startup with clients all over the world. 

OP: What were your first impressions of being in Canada and getting to know Jasper?

MS: I fell in love with Jasper the moment I stepped into town. It feels as if it is meant to be. Jasper to me is a comforting harbour, much needed to start my life from scratch.

OP: What made it possible for you to get that fresh start?

MS: The local community is what makes Jasper so special. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I am very grateful for everything Nancy Addison has been doing for all of us. She connected me to Kristin Robinson and her amazing parents, Anita and Herb—people who opened up their heart and home to a total stranger. 

OP: What’s something different in Jasper than back home in Ukraine?

MS: I notice more of a green planet awareness here: recycling, consuming less than needed. I am a true admirer of diverse cultures, I enjoy diving into new experiences and sharing mine. So I am embracing this new exciting chapter in the journey of my life.

OP: What are your wishes for the Ukrainians planning to come here?

MS: Try to be open-minded, eager to learn new cultures. Be flexible, stay on the positive side even though it is hard, given the circumstances.

Oksana Polivchak // info@thejasperlocal.com