In June 2011 and 2013, the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage supported and participated in a research documentation project organized by the University of Alberta.
Carried out by Professors Frances Swyripa, John-Paul Himka, and Natalie Kononenko, the Sanctuary Project aimed to document the sacred heritage of Ukrainians on the Canadian prairies. This was done through detailed documentation and photo preservation of all known sacred structures, buildings, and cemeteries across the Prairie provinces. The research team, including PCUH graduate student researchers Khrystyna Hudyma and Yuriy Kirushok, traveled throughout central Saskatchewan documenting churches in great detail.
An additional aim of the Sanctuary Project was to interview local people about church history and traditions. All photographs, measurements, and recordings will become part of a large searchable database. More information is available here.
