Dozens of Ukrainians are now calling southeast Saskatchewan home

As the war in Ukraine continues, people fleeing the conflict are settling in Saskatchewan, with the southeast welcoming a particularly large contingent.

Debbie Hagel of Southeast Newcomer Services in Estevan confirmed Wednesday that her office has been busy all summer, helping to bring Ukrainians to their new home.

"We've had dozens of families show up," said Hagel, who is the executive director of the organization. "I have lost track right now in fact of how many that have settled in the Estevan and Weyburn areas. They've settled in Oxbow, Weyburn, Estevan, out around the Lampman area."

Another 230 Ukrainians were scheduled to arrive in Regina late Wednesday evening, with a family of seven from that group set to come to Estevan. Another family of six settled in Weyburn last week, Hagel said.

Southeast Newcomer Services has been helping Ukrainians settle in southeast Saskatchewan. (File image)

She added that many of the newcomers are working in the oil fields, the agriculture industry, and the service sector, with many looking to make southeast Saskatchewan their long-term home.

"The people that I'm meeting are wanting to make this home, wanting to be involved in community, they're wanting to be engaged in employment," Hagel said.

Some are also seeking out education, particularly to learn English, she said.

"English as a second language for some people is the biggest concern," Hagel said. "Many of the people that are arriving can speak English, but some can't. You're not really secured in employment until you really can get the English underneath your feet, but certainly we've got a number of people that can speak a multitude of languages."

"We don't have language classes during the summer, but certainly they're ready to get enrolled in those language classes in the fall."

 Overall, Hagel said working with the incoming Ukrainian citizens has been a gratifying experience.

"The gratitude and the graciousness has been overwhelming...they're very much recognizing that Canada is a safe place to be," she said. "It's been a very humbling experience watching individuals come, fleeing from home, and calling this area home."