Andriy Nahachewsky

Andriy Nahachewsky, Curator, Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives

"Listening to his stories while touring the archives, visitors start seeing seemingly common objects from unusual perspectives. They get passionate to learn more about what folklorists study - how people make sense of the world around them." - Maryna Chernyavska, Archivist, Kule Folklore Centre

An extraordinary scholar and inspirational mentor, Andriy Nahachewsky has been curator of the Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives since 1999 and contributed his time, expertise, and personal field research to the collection for many years prior. He has stewarded the entire research area, and under his tenure, the associated collection has grown from a few artifacts to a strong and rich research resource that continues to thrive.

Dr. Nahachewsky has been a devoted builder and a leader for the innumerable successes and advancements of the Ukrainian Folklore Archives. He is passionate about positioning the archives as North America's premier research centre for the study of Ukrainian folklore. One of his recent major initiatives to further this goal has been the digitization of the collection to facilitate access for researchers and enthusiasts around the world.

He is well known and loved in the community; people from all over the country and abroad approach him with questions about Ukrainian cultural traditions and to donate their valuable collections to the University of Alberta. Dr. Nahachewsky has an outstanding ability to deeply understand and see connections between different cultural objects and phenomena, both tangible and intangible. He is an inexhaustible source of innovative ideas for collections-based projects and collaborations.

Dr. Nahachewsky is a passionate curator who uses the collection for his teaching and research, in community outreach programs and tours, exhibitions, and publications. He is dedicated to education and always eager to learn new ideas and skills. His personal charisma makes the work of his devoted team powerfully meaningful.

Adapted from nomination and support letters by Maryna Chernyavska, Archivist, Kule Folklore Centre, and Bohdan Medwidsky, Professor Emeritus (Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies)