Alex Chomyn
Born in St. Julien, SK

A dedicated community leader, entrepreneur and family man, Alex Chomyn was born in the St. Julien district of Saskatchewan into the family of Mykhailo and Anastasia (Stefaniuk) Chomyn, being the youngest in a family of ten. Here he completed his schooling at Poltawa School and high school in Wakaw and Rosthern. He holds a Certificate in Business Management from the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan.

After finishing school Alex farmed for several years. In 1935 he married Pauline Kotelko. Alex was employed as assistant secretary treasurer of the Rural Municipality of Hoodoo #401 from 1936-1939. In 1940, he moved with his family to Saskatoon and Alex commenced the business part of his life. He began working for the firm Saskatoon Hardware and within two weeks was designated assistant manager of major appliances. In 1959, Alex opened his own business, Alex's Hardware, which remained a fixture on 20th Street for the next 26 years. In 1981, with his son Ken, Alex opened Video One Systems, Ltd. He retired from active business life in 1991.

Having more free time, Alex Chomyn increased his giving to community life. He was a captain with the United Appeal, a Director of the 1971 Canada Winter Games and President of the Wakaw Lake and Cottage Owner's Association. Hospitals, charities and educational institutes and the Saskatoon Symphony have experienced his largesse. For his work in the community, the City of Saskatoon has named a street, Chomyn Crescent, in his honour.

On the Ukrainian community front, Alex has been a stalwart leader. Active in his church, he has been President of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, chairman of the Millennium Finance Committee for Saskatchewan as well as chairman of the Millennium Building Committee. A legacy of the work of these committees is the St. Volodymyr statue that graces the grounds of the Cathedral and is enjoyed by all who pass it on 20th Street in Saskatoon. Alex has been active in the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Saskatoon Branch and the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League of Canada (TYC). He is an honourary life member of the Saskatoon "Steppe" branch of TYC and supported the World Congress of Free Ukrainians.

Perhaps Alex Chomyn's greatest legacy is the Ilarion Residence in Saskatoon. He was the driving force behind its inception and completion. Alex devoted twenty years as President of the Ukrainan Orthodox Senior Citizen's Society to bring to fulfillment a dream of a complex of 118 suites for elderly Ukrainians. He enriched the Residence by donating many museum-type articles from his private family collection which are on display in a special room. At the age of 84, he undertook to provide another establishment - a quality nursing care home for Ukrainian Canadians. This work ended recently with the opening of a special Ukrainian Orthodox section within Sherbrooke Home in Saskatoon.

This legacy of providing care and assistance to the people who built Western Canada marks Alex Chomyn as a visionary and - along with his other contributions to Church, Family and Nation - shows him to truly be a Nation Builder. He is a man with generosity of spirit, labour and finances. He can work cooperatively with people of any background.

Alex and Pauline Chomyn are blessed with three children - Ken, Evelyn and Milton - as well as seven grandchildren.

Christine Devrome
Born in Saskatoon, SK

Christine Devrome is the daughter of two outstanding church and community activists, Anna Maria and Theodore Baran. She has made her own mark both in her profession and on the total Saskatoon community. Her education culminated with a Master of Education in Educational Psychology in 1994 from the University of Saskatchewan preceded by a B.A. in 1970. Christine's Masters work focussed on career development in changing organizations. Her experience with a variety of organizations provided a useful background.

In her professional work Christine has had 18 years of experience as a career development specialist integrating career counselling into an educational setting. She has accomplished this in her capacity as Program Head/Educational Counsellor in the Career Services department at Saskatoon's Kelsey Institute of SIAST. Her responsibilities include administration, counselling and public relations. She practices a holistic and developmental counselling philosophy which views career development as a lifelong process.

Through her employment she was involved with the President's Institutional Renewal Committee and participated through the International Education Office with a career services program project with the Community Colleges Council of Jamaica. She also chaired the Campus Faculty Council from 1989 - 1993. As the executive director of the Saskatchewan Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Committee/Congress she administered coordination requirements and public relations for 250 Ukrainian organizations in Saskatchewan. Professional organizational posts were with the Saskatchewan Guidance and Counselling Association as Associate Editor and as alternate member on a Psychiatric Review Panel. Volunteer community service over the past three decades included some prestigious appointments and innovative community projects.

The first Ukrainian woman to be appointed to the Board of Governors, University of Saskatchewan, she served six years with three as Board chairman. In addition to committee work, including that of the Status of Women she was involved in a search for President and a Dean of Education, amongst others. She also participated in the renegotiation of the Exchange Agreement between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Chernivtsi in Ukraine.

Her Ukrainian community involvement included translation from Ukrainian into English of her mother's historical publication on the Ukrainian Catholic Churches in Saskatchewan. Educationally she organized and taught the first sadochok/nursery school at St. George's Cathedral Parish. She served as President of the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association, was on the Vesna Festival Board as well as the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Advisory Committee. With the UCC she was responsible for the Ukrainian Arts Program selections, for community development programs in the three Prairie Provinces and was a provincial and national liaison.

Christine's involvement with the formation and structure of the Saskatchewan Council of Cultural Organizations put her in a position of assessment of grant applications for the Cultural Division of the Trust. In various executive positions she was involved with the operation and initiatives of the Council.

Christine Devrome was provided with numerous community-significant opportunities to serve cultural and regional sources at a highly influential level. She performed as a Nation Builder at an admirable level to the satisfaction of a broad community.

Anne Hnatiuk (Leskiw)
Born in Saskatoon, SK

Anne Hnatiuk has transmitted her cultural and professional background into a broad community network through her skills, energy and caring love of people, particularly the young. A member of a family of activists, who were founders of church and cultural activities in Saskatoon, she commenced her own activities in this vein when yet in her teens.

Anne assumed executive positions in the youth branch of the Ukrainian National Home organization and held posts in the adult groups, such as the Ukrainian Women's Organization and representative to groups such as the Folk Arts Council, the Ukrainian Canadian Committee, and the Council of Women. She became involved with innovative projects such as the CFCR FM radio community program for ethnic groups.

Professionally, Anne was given many opportunities to make an impact with her highly-honed secretarial skills. Fluently bilingual in English and Ukrainian, she was utilized by organizational, hospital, educational and City Hall groups to undertake challenging responsibilities.

It was as a representative to Saskatoon's Folkfest, from its very inception, that Anne Hnatiuk derived greatest satisfaction and pleasure. She was imbued with the philosophy that by sharing your traditions you not only learn much about other cultures but also about your own roots. Her organizational abilities propelled her from one responsibility to another progressing from assistant ambassador of the Kyiv Pavilion to Ambassador and, on the twentieth anniversary of Folkfest in 1999, she was selected to be the Honourary Ambassador, the greatest honour available for this event.

Before achieving that exalted nomination, Anne had taken her turn at serving as Manager of the Kyiv Pavilion and being a board member for a total of eight years. During her terms on the board, she held various director posts including Director of Youth Ambassador and Tour Guide programs. In the planning of the Tenth Anniversary events, Anne was responsible for compiling a list of some 8,000 volunteers from all participating pavilions and overseeing printing, invitations and other celebration requirements.

Despite all her involvements with Folkfest, Anne was prepared to provide additional volunteer assistance in times of work pressures with passports and special needs. A consummate volunteer, Anne also worked in the city community as an overseer and canvasser.

Anne has used her artistic talents as chair, member, accompanist, teacher and program director for the Ukrainian Arts Festival. She was instrumental in organizing a float of Ukrainian children for celebrations of Saskatoon's 100th birthday, which won the Best Ethnic Float award. She provided parental support for the Yevshan Ensemble where her children performed.

Anne Hnatiuk is a strong proponent of total family involvement in activities. She is proud of her sons and their families for their Folkfest activities. She recollects how she participated in a Ukrainian dance performance before the King and Queen during their 1939 visit to Saskatoon and then in 1967 how her sons performed with Yevshan for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip at Montreal's Expo.

Anne Hnatiuk's diverse contributions to her community at large, mixed with a sense of humour have left a memorable mark as a Nation Builder. In 1992 on the occasion of Canada's 125th birthday, she received the Queen's Medal for the broad scope to her service to the community.

Metro Kereluke
Born Sheho farm, SK

Metro Kereluke was prepared for his life's focus on church and community by the diverse background to his education and employment. Born on a farm southwest of Sheho, his high school studies lead to attendance at the Saskatoon Teachers College graduating in 1936. Six years of rural teaching posts in the Insinger area followed, and marriage, in 1941, to Dora Dumanski, a local girl. There was a break for war duty then university studies in Saskatoon where five-year courses were crammed into four, and three degrees were obtained from a B.A. and B.Ed. to a Masters in Education in 1949.

During his war service in Yorkshire, England in 1944 Metro was a member of the Ukrainian War Veterans Association located in London, England. He subsequently retained membership in the Regina branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for some 25 years.

Although Metro's university studies were primarily in education, he elected to forego teaching for a stint with government where he stayed until 1961. During this time he honed his administrative skills proceeding from the Provincial Social Welfare Department, to the Public Service Commission and Saskatchewan Government Insurance. In 1961 he accepted a position with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool where he stayed until his December 31, 1981 retirement.

Life in Regina from 1949 involved many activities with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church including choir work and instruction of Saturday morning Ukrainian language classes as well as Sunday School classes. Metro's outstanding contribution was to erect a new church in Regina. Under his leadership as Building Committee Chairman from 1955 he guided the work through construction to payment completion by 1966. A long-time member of the Board of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, he was on the Presidium for 10 years. There he chaired three Sobor preparations and a history of the church. His public service background facilitated his work in designing and implementing a pension plan for clergy and a disability plan for clergy and employees. His commendable work earned him recognition awards from three Metropolitans.

Kereluke's Ukrainian community activities occurred at all three levels. Locally, he held the post of president with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Prosvita Society and sat on the Board of the Ukrainian Citizens Residence - Selo Gardens. A member of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association from its inception in Regina, he served as secretary and for many years prepared and published a monthly bulletin. Provincial President of the Association for four years he was also National President, visiting many local branches from Vancouver to Ottawa. Ukrainian community recognition of his contributions came from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress with a 1983 award of the Shevchenko Medal.

His interests reached out into the broader community and included, amongst other things, Board membership with the Sask Centre of the Arts and the Regina Chamber of Commerce, two terms each, and the Employment Insurance Board of Referees and the Review Committee of the Workers Compensation Board.

Metro Kereluke made varied choices in the pattern of his life but forever remained steadfast in his love for church and community serving each well with long-lasting contributions. A mark of a Nation Builder.

Steven Kobrynsky
November 1, 1921 (Aberdeen District, SK) - January 23, 1996 (Canora, SK)

Steven Kobrynsky left a legacy in language instruction and culture-focused community activism through his work as a professional educator and a visionary community worker. The son of Dmytro and Francis (Kaminsky) of the Aberdeen area, he obtained degrees in Arts and Education from the University of Saskatchewan. A stint at Normal School prepared him for a teaching career in four rural school districts ending up in 1953 in Canora and taking him up the ranks from teacher to principal, before his career ended in 1982.

Already involved in church and drama activities in Canora in the 1950's, a great educational opportunity presented itself in 1958 with an invitation to teach Ukrainian language as part of the high school curriculum. Here he initiated an audio-visual instructional approach. He expanded the teaching of the Ukrainian language to adults at several Community Colleges. Steven also succeeded in having Ukrainian language instruction included in the curriculum in Canora from grades three to twelve.

In 1957, Steven Kobrynsky became associated with the professional arm of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) and by 1966 an affiliate group was formed for Teachers of Ukrainian with Steven Kobrynsky as the first provincial chairman, serving for four years. A member of the Saskatchewan Curriculum Committee and later its chairman, he saw the Ukrainian language instruction methods developed by the committee adopted by the Department of Education of the three Prairie provinces. He was involved with STF policy determinations on second language instruction. Steven had come from teacher to initiator to policy maker. His knowledge extended even further into the community with his tenure on the Provincial Executive for Heritage Languages.

As Chairman of the Canora branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress from 1977 to 1990, he organized Ukrainian events and supported the Canora Welcome Statue project featuring a Ukrainian girl. He arranged for the government to erect an historical cairn in the area honouring Ukrainian pioneer block settlement.

Steven's photographic skills were utilized for two major projects involving cultural traditions and folk costumes. Accompanying script and tape were utilized by the Audio Visual Section of the Department of Education and the costume section of the Ukrainian Catholic eparchial museum in Saskatoon.

In the Canora community he arranged many events such as Homecomings and tourist attractions. He instructed the Air Cadet Squadron and presided over the area Ukrainian Professional and Business Association.

A highly religious man, Steven and his wife Lillian and two daughters were members in good standing of their Church, singing in the choir and involved with organizations. Steven was Saskatchewan President of the Ukrainian Catholic Youth and held executive posts at all levels of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. Steven and Lillian were generous supporters of various institutions, but particularly the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute in Eastern Christian Studies in Ottawa from which they received a recognition plaque award. In 1976, Pope Paul VI honoured Steven Kobrynsky with a medal for his work. A worthy Nation Builder.

Bernard Leo Korchinski
Born in Beaver Hills, SK

Bernard Korchinski was born on Christmas Day 1905 at Beaver Hills, near present-day Ituna, Saskatchewan. His parents Lev and Paulina (Hryciw) had emigrated to Canada in June of that year. Bernard was the first of their children to be born in Canada. Altogether there were thirteen siblings in the family.

After completing his education at St. Joseph's College in Yorkton, Bernard attended the Normal School for Teachers there. Later he went on to the University of Saskatchewan. His first job as a teacher was at the Olga Elementary School in Ituna District. He went on to teach for over 35 years at schools in Holdfast, Hafford, Rama, Speers and Regina. From 1926 to 1928, he worked as a field organizer for the Saskatchewan Cooperative Wheat Producers.

A staunch supporter of his church, Bernard has devoted much of his effort to its cause. He was one of the founding members in 1932 with Fr. Stephan Semchuk of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada. In 1992, the National Congress of UCBC named him to the order of the Knights of St. Volodymyr in recognition of his services.

Early on in his career, Bernard saw the importance of organizing young people. He became a Scoutmaster and was credited with starting a number of troops throughout the province. He was also an organizer with the Ukrainian Catholic Youth (UCY) - a section of the Ukrainian Catholic Council of Canada devoted to work with young people - and in 1937 became one of the UCY's co-founders. For a decade, he wrote articles to the Ukrainski Visti newspaper in Edmonton on topics of interest to youth.

During the Second World War, Bernard served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

In the 1930s, Bernard Korchinski actively became involved in the political life of the province. He worked closely with MLAs George Dragan and Orest Zerebeko, assisting in their campaigns. For two terms (1948-52 and 1956-60), Bernard Korchinski was Liberal MLA for the Redberry Constituency. Afterward, leaving elected office, he served as Provincial Director of the Emergency Measures Organization (1965-67) and as a Citizenship Court Judge for the Province of Saskatchewan.

Keenly feeling the need for Ukrainians in Canada to show a common front before Canadian society, Bernard Korchinski has been a dedicated supporter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress from its inception. He has served as the First President of the Provincial Council and was on the National Executive as Secretary. UCC has awarded Bernard its prestigious Shevchenko Medal in acknowledgement of his fine record of community service.

Apart from many contributions to the Ukrainian press in Canada, Bernard is responsible for the very important historical work, Pioneer Bishop, about the 15 years that the first Ukrainian Catholic Bishop in Canada, Nykyta Budka, spent in Canada.

Bernard Korchinski saw that public life and service - whether it be as a teacher and school principal, volunteer with youth or politician and civil servant - are vital to the development of an equitable society and for the advancement of the Ukrainian people in the province. His example of Nation Building is one that all can learn from and admire.

Bernard Korchinski married Slawka Marak in 1938. The marriage was blessed with four children - Bernadine, Linda, Leslie and Barry.

Anna Papish (Gingera)
Born in Brooksby District, SK

Anna Papish has left a memorable mark on the community in Saskatchewan through her role as a supportive volunteer who approached her tasks with energy, love of the people she worked with and the work in culture that she undertook. Her greatest love was working with the young people. The eldest of 10 children born to Michael and Yadwiga Gingera of the Brooksby District, she had many opportunities to make herself useful and to observe the development of young children. This knowledge she carried into her work and her adult life as a mother of two girls and a boy. An activist, she undertook a wide assortment of assignments tackling their challenges with humour and joyous dedication. A positive outlook, bubbly spirit and firm faith have overcome a frail physical condition.

It was when Anna and her husband Peter moved their household to Saskatoon in 1954 that she commenced her community and organizational work with seriousness, concentrating on the Ukrainian Women's councils, the Ukrainian Youth groups and, in the broad community, Folkfest and other needy projects. She was a representative to the Saskatoon Sanatorium Board from 1955 to its closing; to the Multicultural Council in Saskatoon; Treasurer to Saskatchewan Seniors Association; representative to CNIB; committee member for the Saskatoon Community Radio Society; a representative to the Board of Directors for the Ilarion Residence Building Committee; and for five years a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Organization. Involved with the Folkfest Kyiv Pavilion for many years she was elected to the Folkfest Board of Directors in 1998 and then re-elected for another two-year term to 2001.

A member of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada since 1951, she also served on the Ukrainian Canadian Women's Council. She was called to perform cultural teaching tasks at different schools demonstrating the making of pysanky, kolachi and Easter breads. She also did demonstrations for Ukrainian Museum classes and at the Mohyla Institute during the Ukrainian Cultural and Language Immersion Summer School.

Anna Papish was a senior advisor to the Saskatoon Ukrainian Youth since 1963. She also served as treasurer on the Canadian Ukrainian Youth of Canada Council. Her philosophy was to involve herself entirely with the groups. She would attend all their performances and clap enthusiastically for their dancing, reciting or singing. She served as president of the Parent Committee of the Rushnychok Dance Group and of the Ukrainian School for seven years. Her support of and influence on the young people was acknowledged in 1995 when the local CYMK group took on the name the Anna Papish Branch in recognition of her many years of support, guidance and leadership.

Anna has received honourary certificates of Recognition from the National Ukrainian Canadian Women's Council, the Government of Saskatchewan 75th Anniversary Committee, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada and the Canadian Ukrainian Youth of Canada. The Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada presented her with a certificate for 25 years of service to the organization and a life membership.

Anna Papish was imbued with the philosophy that a community's strength lay in the support provided to its members. She contributed to this strength at meetings, in hall kitchens, in front of a stage of performers responding to her enthusiastic applause. Love Builds a Nation.

Lusia Pavlychenko
Born in Saskatoon, SK

Lusia Pavlychenko, the eldest daughter of outstanding Saskatoon activists Dr. Tymofij and Anastasia Pavlychenko, inherited the creativity, beauty and vision of her parents which propelled her to direct the development of dance so that its direction in Saskatchewan was changed forever. All of this came to be when her course of study after graduation from City Park High School in Saskatoon was altered from the field of medicine to the world of the Arts, particularly that of dance and specifically in ballet. She was influenced in this by people like Gwenyth Lloyd, co-founder of Canada's first ballet company. Lusia took intensive training with outstanding teachers around the world, from Toronto, Banff to England, Paris, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

The foundation for this activity was established in her youthful activities of choir participation at the Ukrainian National Federation Hall in Saskatoon under the direction of Mr. Bubniuk. Lyle Gustin was one of her piano teachers. For two years she was the pianist at her high school. Then commenced a series of activities of "firsts."

In 1954, Lusia founded the Saskatoon School of Ballet and Dance which continues under her daughter, Nina, and her husband and was instrumental in establishing a dance teachers' association. She pioneered the concept of dance festivals and competitions for the purpose of exposing dance students to an audience. She persuaded Dr. Gathercole, Director of Education, to agree to give dance study the same status as music studies by permitting students of the Royal Academy of Dance to take their dance exams during school hours without penalty. She early revealed a visionary leadership.

In 1959, the dance group Yevshan was co-founded by Lusia and Nadia Pavlychenko with Lusia remaining as sole Artistic Director from 1961-67 before leaving to form the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble. During this period she transformed Ukrainian dancing from merely doing a variety of dance steps to dancing around a story or theme. She focused on correctness of the costumes designing beautiful renditions of costumes from different parts of Ukraine. In both groups she revealed her flair for beautiful, breath-taking staging. She was privileged to be presented to the Queen when Yevshan performed before the Royals on July 1, 1967 in Ottawa.

Lusia exalted in taking her dance groups into the community because it meant dealing with challenges and initiating creative changes. Performances were made with the symphony under several orchestra directors as well as with noted local orchestra leader John Kolynchuk. Lusia described the emotions when working with these groups: "... the experience of working with live music and training the musicians and conductor to hear the music as a dancer hears and feels [it] was truly an enlightening and ongoing experience for all involved."

Lusia was invited to work with dance groups across the country at significant local and national events. Her accolades come from coast to coast and two soul-stirring tours of Ukraine earning her a place in the Kyiv Choreographic Hall of Fame in 1992.

Lusia continues her involvement with dance in the direction of expansion and improvement believing that, "without change there is little growth." Her greatest pleasure comes from the professional successes of her former students. These, together with her accolades, attest to a life committed to the creation of pleasurable Nation Building through dance.

Dr. Walter Podiluk, C.M., LL.D. (Hon.)
Born in Blaine Lake, SK

Walter Podiluk's philosophy of life was based on his deep confidence in the role that the Ukrainian community could play in shaping the character of Saskatchewan and Canada. Born in the Blaine Lake area of Saskatchewan he developed strong work habits and characteristics of high achievement and unwavering perseverance under the influence of family and community. His progress through Teachers College and the University of Saskatchewan armed him with Bachelor degrees in Education and Arts which took him to rural teaching and principalship positions and finally to St. Mary's School in Saskatoon. From there the road went only up.

As a professional public servant Walter was provided with opportunities to utilize his innate administrative abilities in admirable service to the people of Saskatchewan. He proceeded from teacher-principal to Director of Education, Saskatoon Catholic Board of Education (1967-1982), to Deputy Minister, Social Services (1982-1984), to Deputy Minister, Saskatchewan Health (1984-1988), to Deputy Chair, Saskatchewan Commission on Health Care (1988-1991) to President and CEO, St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon (1991-1995), in a progression where each post seemed to prepare him for the next step.

He approached his undertakings with a passion for the job, a compassionate understanding of those who came under his direction, involving them in planning for attaining goals. He has been described as a joyous teacher and a dynamic and dedicated visionary. As one with a vision he was successful in turning an obstacle into an opportunity, in persevering in a search for a different solution and its attainment and in inspiring others to join him in undertakings.

The broad scope to his organizational posts demonstrates these characteristics. Walter Podiluk has held executive posts with the Ukrainian Catholic Council of Canada, Saskatoon Council of Christians and Jews, and the Centre for Agricultural Medicine Founding Chairs. He also was a Member of the Canadian Delegation to Poland on Health Care. Currently, he serves as President of the Canadian Club of Saskatoon, President of the Sheptytsky Society of Saskatchewan, Co-Chair Ukrainian Prairie Heritage Centre, University of Saskatchewan, and Honourary Chair, Saskatoon Community Service Village. Walter has also found time to write five publications including Future Directions for Health Care in Saskatchewan (co-author), 1990, Tomorrow's Schools for Tomorrow's Children, 1991 and Vision for Canada (co-author), 1998.

Walter Podiluk's contributions to his province and country have been recognized by many awards including one from Pope Paul VI (1976), Distinguished Service Award, Canadian Association of School Administrators (1981), Community Leadership Century Saskatoon Award (1982), Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree, University of Saskatchewan (1987), The Gold Honour Award - Association of Canadian Clubs (1999) and Canada's highest honour, Member of the Order of Canada (1996).

Walter and his wife Sonia have a family of six children with 10 grandchildren.

Walter Podiluk has stated that he believes "... many of our societal values, priorities and visions have been shaped by the 'Ukrainian Presence.'" His list of accomplishments and achievements attest to the element of truth to his belief in his Nation Building efforts.

His Excellency Bishop Andrew Roborecki, D.D.
December 12, 1910 (Velyki Mosty, Ukraine) - October 23, 1982 (Toronto, ON)

The first bishop for the Ukrainian Catholics in Saskatchewan came to Canada from Ukraine in 1913 with his parents Anastasia (Lukach) and Jacob Roborecki. After studies in Winnipeg and Toronto he was ordained a Ukrainian Catholic priest in 1934, in Winnipeg and commenced pastoral work in Dauphin, Roblin and district. He was pastor of St Josaphat parish in Toronto for 14 years.

On May 27, 1948 he was consecrated as bishop in Toronto by Archbishop Basil Ladyka who, as Bishop had ordained him as a priest July 18, 1934. Appointed Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop Ladyka of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Winnipeg, he then became Exarch of the Saskatoon Exarchate in 1951 following an historic division of the Ukrainian Catholic diocese of central Canada into two separate dioceses of Winnipeg and Saskatoon. A further historic step in 1956 raised the Winnipeg exarchate to a metropolitan see and created eparchies of the other Ukrainian Catholic exarchates. It was then that Andrew Roborecki became officially Bishop of Saskatoon and the first of that rank in Saskatchewan.

While it was given to him to play a role in this historic evolvement of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada it was his talent of dynamic administration and his vision for a vibrant church that marked him as a leader and history maker in his own right. Three deanships in Saskatoon, Regina and Canora united 28 pastoral districts. Church-specific groups supported church life through choirs, altar boys, Sodality of Mary and such. The formation of organizations for the women, men and youth proceeded in the new eparchy. In 1951 the first convention was held coordinating these organizations into the Ukrainian Catholic Central Council. Other organizations were developed for specific purposes such as the "Obnova" university students club, the Association of Ukrainian Catholic Teachers which played an important role in the work of the Saskatchewan Teachers of Education, the Metropolitan Sheptytsky Society and the Senior Citizen's Club, amongst others.

Even as a novice priest Andrew Roborecki revealed a great interest in constructing or renewing edifices, initiating such activity with six church buildings yet in his first pastoral posting. New parishes were established, churches constructed, as well as rectories, parish halls and a bishop's residence, and parks developed. A new Sheptytsky Institute appeared adjacent to the university campus and existing institutions were modernized. St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly anticipated a government focus on care of seniors. Levels for language and catechism classes appeared in parishes and Separate Schools in Yorkton and Saskatoon. Publications recorded this progress. By 1955 a Museum of Ukrainian Culture was being organized and an archive collection commenced in 1976. Bishop Andrew ensured spiritual care by attracting the Redemptorist Fathers and Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate and Brothers of Christian Schools to work in the eparchy. The Sisters of St. Joseph were invited from Poland to minister to the sick and elderly. Priests were ordained and a Foundation established to ensure the training of future priests.

At his death on October 23, 1982, Bishop Andrew as a Nation Builder had left a solid foundation and a brilliant impression of the church and its people, placed in his care and trust.

Andrew Suknaski
Born near Wood Mountain, SK

One of the most acclaimed Canadian poets of the second half of the 20th century, Andrew Suknaski was born on a small farm near Wood Mountain. He was educated at the Kootenay School of Art, the University of Victoria, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts School of Art and Design and Simon Fraser University. He has worked at a variety of jobs from farmhand to night watchman to managing a portable one-man publishing venture that specialized in limited edition mail-outs.

Suknaski's narrative style was the dominant influence on the Canadian Prairie poetry in the 1970s and 1980s. His published works include The Ghosts Call you Poor (1978), East of Myloona (1979), In the Name of Narid (1981), The Land They Gave Away (1982) Silk Trail (1985). His works are included in the anthologies Canadian Literature in the 70s and The Oxford Book of Canadian Verse in English.

In 1979, Suknaski won the Canadian Authors Association Poetry Award for The Ghosts You Call Poor. He has been the subject of a great amount of critical attention, including articles by Jars Balan, "Voices from the Canadian Steppes: Ukrainian Elements in Andrew Suknaski's Poetry." Studia Ucrainica (1988), Dawn Morgan's, "Andrew Suknaski's 'Wood mountain time' and the chronotope of multiculturalism." Mosaic (1996) and Tatiana Nazarenko's "Ukrainian-Canadian visual poetry: traditions and innovations." Canadian Ethnic Studies (1996).

In 1978, the National Film Board of Canada made a documentary film on Andrew Suknaski entitled Wood Mountain Poems. In it, Suknaski talks about his part of the world, about its multicultural background, its Indian heritage, and the customs and stories of its different ethnic groups. In June of 2000, the BRAVO! channel aired a 30-minute interview with Suknaski.

Suknaski has stated in an interview with the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix that, "My central concern is documenting the West, where people come from, who they are in terms of myth and spiritual belief." In his poetry, Suknaski is caught up in the past, in the loneliness of the vast plains, and in making that experience live on to become a part of the present as well.

By bringing his interpretation of the Ukrainian Canadian experience to a larger public through the ancient Ukrainian medium of poetry, Andrew Suknaski has shown himself to be a true Nation Builder.

Peter Worobetz
March 27, 1910 (Krydor, SK) - January 7, 1997 (Saskatoon, SK)

Peter Justin Worobetz found himself in place to affect the pattern of Ukrainian language development in Saskatchewan and the recognition of the role of the Ukrainian element, in the development of the province. The first of three children born to Justin and Maria (Borycki) Worobetz of Krydor, SK, Peter progressed through the educational system of the day graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1939 with a B.A. and a B.Ed. in 1941. Teacher certification was obtained in 1930 from the Saskatoon Normal School.

Peter Worobetz's career started as a teacher/principal from 1930 to 1940 in rural Saskatchewan and lead to an appointment with the Administrative Branch of the Department of Education in the capacity of Superintendent of Schools primarily in the Rosthern area.

Peter's war service was with the Canadian Army from 1942-1945 serving in Canada, Britain and Europe and retiring with the rank of Captain. His war service was recognized with four medals. Peter married Nell Kuzyk of Innisfree, AB. There are three children and six grandchildren.

Peter was recognized early for his leadership abilities being elected president when yet in Normal School. He was on the scene when professional teaching organizations were being developed, serving on the first Council of the Teachers' Federation and STF Councillor for his inspectorates. He assumed many professional responsibilities as a civil servant, serving a term as president of the Saskatchewan School Superintendents' Association.

It was through the Ukrainian Curriculum Committee which served the Minister of Education in an advisory capacity from 1954-1968 that he would be able to make a great contribution to language development. An original member of this Committee it was during his tenure as Chairman that the Saskatchewan Government Ukrainian Correspondence Courses were developed from 1963-1965. In 1968 he developed a program for Division Three Ukrainian in concert with Brother Methodius the first Committee Chairman. Peter Worobetz was very proud of his Ukrainian culture and language and endeavoured to provide a well-established program for students to learn this language as their Canadian citizenship entitlement. In 1980 Worobetz was awarded the Shevchenko Medal for his success in this area.

Peter Worobetz also had a highly active community life being called upon to chair prestigious meetings and national conventions. He was national president of the Ukrainian Catholic Youth and the Ukrainian Catholic Council, held executive posts with all levels of the Ukrainian Canadian Committee, was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood and the Saskatoon Ukrainian and Professional Businessmen's Club and the New Community Credit Union Board.

Peter was selected to make a presentation to the first National Conference of Canadian Slavs in Banff, Alberta June 1965. In 1992 on the occasion of the 100th year of Ukrainian settlement of Canada Peter Worobetz was one of the 100 Ukrainian Canadians to receive the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Centennial Award for their community work.

Peter Worobetz strongly believed that knowledge of one's roots contributed to the development of a strong country and that language and culture studies were the right of every individual. He dedicated his Nation Building to that end for the Ukrainian community.