Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre is pleased to welcome Olesia Sloboda as its new Curator of Collections.

Olesia returns to Oseredok after previously serving as Curator from 2021 to 2024, where she played a key role in advancing the stewardship, documentation, digitization, and accessibility of the Centre’s museum, archives, and library collections. Her familiarity with Oseredok’s collections and her commitment to preserving Ukrainian Canadian heritage make her exceptionally well positioned to lead this important area of the organization.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Olesia brings an outstanding combination of academic preparation and professional experience. She holds a Master of Information Studies from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor’s degree in Eastern Christian Theology and Philosophy from the Ukrainian Catholic University. Her career has included positions with Library and Archives Canada, Export Development Canada, the Department of National Defence, and Oseredok, with expertise spanning archives, libraries, museums, information management, and digital preservation.

As Curator of Collections, Olesia will oversee the care, research, documentation, interpretation, and continued development of Oseredok’s nationally significant collections, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant for researchers, students, and the wider community.

“I am beyond happy to rejoin Oseredok as the curator of collections! I am very passionate about using my knowledge and talents to preserve Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian Canadian heritage at Oseredok, one of the most distinctive Ukrainian heritage institutions in the diaspora. Work at Oseredok is not a job; it’s my calling and vocation.” Olesia Sloboda, Curator of Collection

“We are delighted to welcome Olesia back to Oseredok. She brings a rare combination of museum, archival, and information management expertise, together with a deep understanding of Ukrainian heritage and of Oseredok’s collections. Her leadership will be instrumental as we strengthen collections stewardship, expand public access, and build on Oseredok’s role as one of Canada’s leading Ukrainian cultural institutions.” Stephen Borys, Interim Executive Leader

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Olesia back to Oseredok. Her knowledge of our collections, her professional accomplishments, and her longstanding commitment to preserving Ukrainian history and culture make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. We look forward to working with her as Oseredok continues to grow and serve our community.” Luba Demko, Board Chair

Donate to our Collections

What does Oseredok collect?
Oseredok collects material objects that help strengthen the understanding of Ukrainians in Canada. “Each object tells its own particular story and, collectively, all these stories create a historic narrative about our community, its social customs, its cultural life, its aspirations and achievements.”
We accept artifacts, art work, archival materials – such as documents, photographs, recordings – and library materials made by, about, used, or collected by Ukrainian Canadians.

How do I donate?
To inquire about a potential donation, please email a detailed description of the object(s) you wish to donate along with high-quality photos to the Curator of Collections at collections@oseredok.ca.

Please note that no drop-off donations will be accepted.

What should I expect when donating to Oseredok?
The Museum Staff or Volunteers will ask you several questions about the history and biographical information of your donation during your scheduled appointment. This process helps Oseredok determine whether your donation is suitable for our collections and ensures that its history is preserved for future generations. All donations will be considered on the basis of relevance to our Collections Policy, the physical condition of the donation, and whether or not we have similar items in our collection. For this reason, Oseredok cannot accept all donations. Please understand that determining this may take some time. Donations to the collections will be accepted with the understanding that their ownership is transferred to Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre. Oseredok may issue a Tax Receipt for your donation upon request.