Memory, Myth, and the Prairie: William Kurelek’s Pioneer Women

In this illustrated talk, we explore William Kurelek’s Pioneer Women series, a widely circulated visual account of prairie settlement told through the perspective of immigrant women.

Commissioned by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada in 1965, the series reflects the early decades of Ukrainian settlement in Canada and honours the experiences of immigrant women through community memory and cultural values.

Presented by Jen Budney, this lecture explores the history behind the commission, the role of memory and representation in shaping history, and how these images continue to influence our understanding of prairie life.

William Kurelek: Ukrainian Pioneer Women returns to public view beginning May 21.