Music is integral to the Ukrainian soul. Over the centuries, Ukrainians have used music to maintain their culture, their language, and to subvert historical narratives thrust upon them by conquerors. In Ukraine, music is a tool of resistance and a lynchpin of cultural identity.

Therefore, it is fitting that DAWN works to preserve this vital aspect of Ukrainian life. Accordingly, DAWN is proud to announce that our Health Equity and Culture Director, Inna Kovtun, is the first Ukrainian recipient of the prestigious Taproot Fellowship, an award created to support and recognize traditional artists and culture bearers who preserve and transmit artistic traditions in the modern world.

A Master of Music, Folklore and Ethnography, Kovtun has dedicated her life to researching and preserving Ukrainian traditions. She has collected over 1,000 authentic folk songs from research expeditions and served as artistic director for renowned ensembles like Rozhanytsia and Kalyna. She has performed concerts and taught workshops on Ukrainian folklore in more than 20 countries around the world including Canada, the United Kingdom, various European countries, Israel, Hong Kong, the Baltic states, Turkey, and the United States.

After the full-scale war began, Kovtun moved to Portland, Oregon, with her daughter. She has since become a central figure in the local community, founding DAWN’s “I Love Ukraine” theater and directing the children’s ensemble “Singing Dawn/Blue and Yellow.” She is also an artist with the Oregon Folklife Network.

Kovtun emphasized that this award is a vital milestone, as it recognizes Ukrainian culture at a national level in the U.S. during a critical time. Through her work, she conveys a powerful message: “The Ukrainian spirit remains unbreakable and the song remains alive, even in times of war.”