A cold day in Kaniv
It’s cold. Reminds me of our sister city, Kaniv, in the Ukraine, only its high is our low. So, if you’re complaining about the weather, think about Kaniv. Our sister city relationship in Kaniv is in slumber and like any hibernating animal, Sonoma hopes that an awakening occurs soon. The warmth of spring often jars sleeping bears from their dens; you could be that spring. Historically, there is a significant tie between Sonoma County and the Ukraine. More on that later.
Kaniv rests on the Cherkasy Oblast, a province on the Dnieper River. Throughout the 12th and 14th centuries, Kaniv was an important layover on the route to Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. One of the greatest Ukrainian poets and artists, Taras Schevchenko, is buried in Kaniv. Shevchenko was born in 1814 in the village of Moryntsi, then part of the Russian empire. He was especially known for his political satire.
Ukraine was the first Republic to declare its independence from the USSR, establishing it’s freedom on August 24, 1991. In turn, numerous other nations declared their independence, putting an end to the cold war. This newly found freedom opened the door to sister city relationships, however, Sonoma’s relationship with Kaniv was well in place – it began in 1989.
Kaniv has the honor of the Humanitarian Capitol of the Ukraine. Dr. Wayne Cannon, who founded the Lions of Sight in 1987, provided eye glasses and examinations to over 2,500 children and adults. The organization has now distributed 6.5 million pairs of eyeglasses in 67 countries. Like Sonoma, with all of its many non-profit organizations, the two cities have in common a bond of caring for others.
Louis Choris, one of the earliest artists to capture Sonoma County and Native Americans living here, was born in Yekaterinoslav, now known as the Ukraine. Choris was hired as the resident artist on the Romanzoff expedition, whose goals were to explore the Northwest Passage. The ship was commanded by Lieutenant Otto von Kotzebue.
Though he never found a Northwest Passage, Von Kotzebue did visit the Missions in Santa Clara and San Francisco, eventually stopping at Fort Ross on the Sonoma Coast in 1824. He noted that “the inhabitants of Ross live in the greatest concord with the Indians, who repair, in considerable numbers, to the fortress, and work as day-labourers, for wages.”
On this visit to Ross, Choris went right to work painting what he saw. He worked primarily in pastels and on a previous voyage to San Francisco in 1816, documented the Oholone people living in San Francisco. Choris “painted nature as he found it. The essence of his art is truth; a fresh, vigorous view of life, and an originality in portrayal.” His work can be found in all books relating to the topic of Bay Area Native Americans. Choris, only 33 at the time, was murdered by thieves near Vera Cruz, Mexico in 1828.
Exploring connections is what makes for a great sister city relationship. Kaniv needs your help and inspiration. For more information throw me an email at [email protected] and I’ll get my people in touch with your people. Oh, and stay warm.
