The flag of Ukraine is now flying at the Fort Frances Civic Centre.

A flag-raising ceremony was held Friday before a handful of residents with Ukrainian heritage.

Mayor Andrew Halllikas says the move responds to a petition presented to council that related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions toward Ukraine and Canada.

“Some of it was a negative response in that they wanted to take the American flag down, which I don’t think is productive,” says Hallikas.

“But there was positive response in saying, let’s show Fort Frances’ support for Ukraine because about 10% of our population is of Ukrainian descent.

Hallikas noted the importance the Ukrainian community has played in Fort Frances.

He says as a youngster, he envied the Ukrainian students in school because they enjoyed two Christmases.

“It was always a part of my childhood. It’s always been a part of businesses in Fort Frances, and volunteers in Fort Frances. The Ukrainian community has contributed immensely to the founding of this town.”

Hallikas read a proclamation prior to raising the flag, calling the gesture a symbol of the town’s commitment to standing with Ukraine and its people.

He says the flag which flies between that of Canada and the United States will remain until support for Ukraine is no longer necessary.

Here is the full transcript of that proclamation.

Whereas, the act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted by the Parliament of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, on August 24, 1991, establishing Ukraine as an independent and sovereign state: and

Whereas, Ukraine’s territory remains under unlawful Russian occupation, which violates international law, we honour the sacrifices made by the armed forces of Ukraine in defending not only Ukraine’s sovereignty but also the security of Europe and its allies against further aggression from the Russian Federation; and

Whereas, Canada’s House of Commons has recognized the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine as a genocide, a motion Introduced by Heather McPherson, MP for Edmonton, Strathcona, and adopted unanimously; and

Whereas, for centuries the people of Ukraine have struggled for independence while preserving their culture, language and identity; and

Whereas, the Ukrainian flag, which we’re going to raise shortly, reinstated in 1992, represents the sky and waters of Ukraine blue with the golden yellow band symbolizing the country’s wheat fields; and

Whereas, the Ukrainian Canadians continue to make invaluable contributions to the cultural fabric of Canada, sharing values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law; and

Whereas, nearly 1 in 10 residents of the town of Fort Francis identify as being of Ukrainian descent; and

Whereas, in a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this ongoing time of crisis, the town of Fort Francis raises the national flag of Ukraine, and it shall remain raised as a symbol of our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence until such time as the need for this gesture is no longer required.

Now, therefore, I, Mayor Andrew Hallakis, do hereby proclaim the raising of the national flag of Ukraine in the town of Fort Frances as a symbol of our commitment to standing with Ukraine and its people during this difficult time. And now, therefore, the flag of Ukraine shall be flown proudly over the town of Fort Francis as a continual sign of solidarity and support until the decision is made that its display is no longer necessary.

Ukraine flag flies beside those of Canada and the United States at the Fort Frances Civic Centre, April 4, 2025. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting