This oak tree, planted in March 2023, is dedicated to the Ukrainian people who have recently arrived in Canada, especially to those who have been displaced by the Russian-Ukrainian war, which started in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and escalated on February 24, 2022.
It stands as a symbol of new life, hope and welcome from the residents of the Comox Valley to these most recent arrivals, forced to leave their homes.
The little tree has grown from an acorn from its parent tree, estimated to be at least 700 years old. Now in its last stage of life in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, history records that it has hosted many Ukrainian cultural expressions such as sacred days, picnics, weddings, funerals, music and dancing, and other diverse cultural celebrations.
May this new tree, as it continues to grow and spread its branches, carry on this legacy to those fortunate enough to stand in its presence.