Eugene was born and raised in the Vanguard area of south-western Saskatchewan. His parents, Joseph and Pearl Krenosky, owned and operated a small grain farm. Eugene spent his formative years in Vanguard, attending elementary and high school there.

Following his secondary schooling, Eugene attended the University of Saskatchewan where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and his Bachelor of Education. Thereafter, he pursued Graduate Studies in Physics at Fordham University in New York and Graduate Studies in Education Administration at the University of Wisconsin.

Upon completing his formal education, Eugene returned to Saskatchewan and was employed by the Regina Board of Education first as a teacher, then as Principal and as an administrator for his last 20 years with the Board. He taught Physics, Science, Math and Industrial Arts. As an administrator, he was responsible for media supervision. He has been involved in numerous professional organizations in science, education, library, audiovisual and educational television and educational media organizations and associations. Eugene has written and presented numerous publications and has been involved in preparation of literally hundreds of multimedia and television programs.

Eugene has been active in many cultural and ethno-cultural organizations. Since his retirement from the Regina Board of Education in 1991, Eugene has sat on seventeen Boards and chaired seven of them. He was a Board member of SCCO (now SaskCulture), past Director and Chairman of the Board of Cable Regina and Vice-President and Mosaic Chairman of the Regina Multicultural Council. Eugene has served on the Boards of many Ukrainian organizations. He is the Past National President of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, Past National Vice-President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Past President (13 years) and Director of the Regina Ukrainian Canadian Congress and for the last nine years was President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council.

In recognition of his volunteerism Eugene has been honoured with the Order of Merit from the National Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, the RMC Certificate of Merit, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan.

Eugene’s special interests include travel, photography, genealogy, woodworking, multi-media presentations, sports—in particular curling and golf. He still owns and operates the ‘family’ grain farm in the Vanguard area.

Eugene and his wife Anne (nee Reyda) were married in 1971. They have four children, Cindy, Nadine, Pauline and Joseph.

Professor Sonia Violet (Stratychuk) Morris, inspired by her hard-working community-focused parents, was passionate in promoting the Ukrainian language and culture with an overarching goal of fostering multiculturalism and battling racism in Canada and around the world. She is recognized for her highly valued contribution to education locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Qualifying for several scholarships, Sonia earned a Bachelor of Arts with Great Distinction from McGill University, a Bachelor of Education with Great Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), a Master of Education from the U of S, and a Master of Philosophy from Columbia University, New York. Her career included being a social worker, then an elementary and high school teacher in Saskatoon, followed by a distinguished thirty-two year career with the College of Education, U of S as a professor and Assistant Dean, Student Affairs.

Professor Morris was a visionary and a founder. She served as an executive officer of the Saskatchewan Multicultural Advisory Council, the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Minority Languages, Canadian Council for Multicultural and Intercultural Education, Canadian Association of Teachers of Ukrainian, Saskatchewan Association for Multicultural Education, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Saskatchewan Association of Heritage Languages, and a series of academic committees. She also led educational exchange programs between the U of S and Ukraine, which continue to attract graduate students as a result of her respected work with universities in Ukraine. After retiring, Sonia devoted her days to working on translations of Ukrainian literature into English.

Sonia was a founding member and driving force of the Saskatchewan Teachers of Ukrainian for a period of thirty-three years and an original member of the Ukrainian Curriculum Committee of the Department of Education. Together with her sister Roma, she developed the Grades 9 to 12 Ukrainian courses for the Saskatchewan Correspondence School. She served as Program Director of the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (CYMK) and as a consultant to the Mohyla Institute Ukrainian Summer School Immersion Program. Sonia also dedicated much of her volunteer time to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, and helped establish All Saints parish in Saskatoon. She enhanced our quality of life in Saskatchewan and Canada.

In recognition of her distinguished service, the UCC-SPC is very pleased to posthumously recognize and honour Professor Sonia Morris as a Nation Builder.

Creativity & Innovation in Cultural Preservation & Development

Norman was born to George and Mary Haras of Endeavour, Saskatchewan. He is a historian by inclination and practice. He researches Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian-Canadian culture and shares his knowledge with writers, producers, curators and the public.

Norman has collected, documented and preserved early 20th Century Ukrainian-Canadian history. He has documented the structure and materials of about a dozen pioneer homes and buildings. Under his guidance, these structures were measured, photographed plus architectural drawings are being prepared. His vast array of pioneer artifacts, with accompanying photos and documentation, has been exhibited widely.

Norman’s collection of two and three-dimensional materials on the life of pioneer Ukrainian potter Peter Rupchan is particularly significant. Peter Rupchan worked in the Endeavour-Usherville area where he produced pottery using local clay. His utilitarian goods were sold throughout northeastern Saskatchewan. Materials collected by Norman were added to the collections of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (UMC) in the 1980s. Subsequently, the Province of Saskatchewan recognized the significance of Rupchan’s work and developed a major collection of his works, which, too, are housed in the UMC. Norman’s documentation has been invaluable in the cataloguing and exhibition of these major artifacts. He worked with author/producer Judith Silverthorne who published a biography of Peter Rupchan titled Made in Saskatchewan. This was followed by a travelling exhibition and the production of a video which continues to be broadcast through SCN.

Norman’s ongoing project is the collection of family histories plus research into traditional medicinal healing plants and associated folkloric beliefs based mainly on oral accounts and translations from Ukrainian and Russian sources. Danny Evanishen, publisher of traditional Ukrainian folk tales, has used Norman’s translations of oral and written materials. These folk tales are now more accessible to all Canadians.

Norman has served on the local history book committee and contributed to the contents of Past Endeavours. He served on the Crystal Lake Trident Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) Camp Board, as President of the Hyas Centralized Parish for many years, as well as Treasurer of the Endeavour All Saints UOC and as Second Vice-President of the Kamsack, Hyas and Swan River Parish District. Since an early age he has written Ukrainian Easter eggs/pysanky and taught the craft to others. Norman sings in the church choirs and helps maintain All Saints UOC.

Sonja was born to John and Catherine (Fedun) Byblow in the Whitesand district northwest of Yorkton. She is the middle child of a family of 12. In 1947, she married Fred Pawliw and worked along with him on the family farm for many years and later worked at the Yorkton hospital for 19 years.

Sonja is a miracle survivor of polio and two terrible car accidents. She refers to her many hours of prayerful meditation as a way of expressing that, “She loves life and God is her Life!”

One of Sonja’s passions is gardening. She has created a “Healing and Meditation Garden” in her backyard, which is open to the public every summer. This garden has attracted visitors from many countries around the world. Her garden has been featured in such magazines as “Canadian Gardening” and “Prairie Edition Garden West.”

Being an artistic and creative person has brought Sonja many rewards and accolades. Her creations include “mosaic” art made out of broken china pieces, paintings, and her published writings of her childhood experiences. These writings leave a legacy for her family and others to share and to learn about the lives of Ukrainian people.

Sonja is the proverbial volunteer. She has been called upon to act as a Ukrainian ambassador for the city of Yorkton. When asked to assist with tours to familiarize visitors with Yorkton, she offers an enthusiastic “yes”. Furthermore, she is often seen driving about the city transporting Ukrainian shut-ins and the elderly to their appointments, to church, or shopping centres.

The eparchy of Saskatoon awarded her with a medal for her outstanding leadership in the Ukrainian Catholic church, community and people.

The ‘Gift of Hope’ project, which consists of collecting and shipping medical and dental supplies to Ukraine, gave Sonja an opportunity to travel to her ancestral homeland to give and share with orphanages the generosity of the Ukrainian Canadian people.

Sonja is a wonderful ambassador for all things Ukrainian, be this our history, culture and/or traditions. She is an outstanding leader, role model and inspires young and old to try new and interesting activities. As a much-requested speaker, Sonja brings her brand of enthusiasm and energy.

Sonja and Fred Pawliw have eight children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Sylvia Gryba is a tireless and dedicated worker for the Ukrainian community and Canadian society. Sylvia was born in Aberdeen and later lived in Hafford and Saskatoon. For over 50 years, Sylvia has demonstrated innovative leadership in many facets of Ukrainian-Canadian community life. She has been an exemplary role model to many and continues to do so in an advisory capacity, drawing on her wealth of experience.

Sylvia showed leadership skills in youth and cultural activities. These later led to teaching and mentorship of youth and young adults wherever she lived. As a youth in Saskatoon, Sylvia was active in the Ukrainian Canadian Youth Association (CYMK) and a dedicated CYMK leader in the Cudworth area for many years, instilling a love and appreciation of Ukrainian language, religion and culture.

Music has been always been part of Sylvia’s life. She sang in the choirs of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Saskatoon and Holy Trinity Parish in Cudworth—at the latter as Choir Director for 15 years.

Sylvia joined the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC) in 1954 in the Olha Kobylianska Branch in Saskatoon. She has provided outstanding leadership at local, provincial and national levels of the Association. Sylvia is currently an advisor to the national UWAC executive.

Sylvia served on the Board of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (UMC/UWAC) for 21 continuous years. Positions held included Secretary, Vice-President and President plus Chair of the Constitution and Nominating Committees. While President, she was an executive member of the national executive of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League of Canada. During her tenure, the Museum faced many challenges including reduced revenues from traditional sources. Under her stewardship in the 1990s, she strengthened the Museum Board’s managerial capabilities and improved the Museum’s financial position. Presently, Sylvia represents the Museum at the UCC Saskatoon Branch. She is also a weekly volunteer with Druzi/Friends of the Museum. In 2003, Sylvia received an Honorary Life Membership in the Museum for her outstanding leadership and support.

Sylvia served as Treasurer of St. Michael’s Hospital Auxiliary in Cudworth and as Secretary to the Provincial Executive of the Saskatchewan Nursing Homes Association.

Sylvia and Bill Gryba are blessed with four sons, John, Mark and Bill and Andrew. There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ann Ogenchuk has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture. Ann was born on a farm near Krydor to Vera and Wasyl Lewchuk. Here she acquired her lifelong values of dedication and compassion.

Ann founded the Ukrainian Dancing Association in 1972 and the Ukrainian Music Festival was founded in 1975. The Ukrainian Dancing Association, now known as the Hafford Cheremka Dance Club, initiated Malanka/Ukrainian New Year’s Eve in 1977. Both organizations are highly regarded and still functioning. These organizations, with the help of many volunteers, are central in preserving Ukrainian culture in Hafford and surrounding area. Ann organized pysanka writing classes in Hafford and Radisson schools. Ann organized the Ukrainian Catholic Youth in 1960 and in 1976 started Ukrainian Kindergarten at the Hafford School. She organized a Ukrainian Summer Language Camp at Redberry Lake which ran from 1975 to 1981. Ann was a member of the Big Country Heritage Society which was instrumental in purchasing and preserving the Crooked Trees, a natural phenomenon near Speers, Saskatchewan.

Ann’s training as a nurse’s aide and her core values have enabled her to assist her community with caring and compassion. She has volunteered at the Hafford Union Hospital for 40 years. She was Chair of the Hafford Housing Authority for over 15 years. She assisted seniors with their daily living tasks for over 10 years. In the 1990s, Ann organized cooking and gardening classes as part of life skills training. The Provincial Government adopted her course ideas and Ann taught the program to First Nations people on Saskatchewan reserves. She also taught 4-H cooking classes for five years. Thirty years as an organizer and canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and a volunteer on the Remembrance Day Committee for 25 years are a further testament to Ann’s community involvement.

Ann’s faith has always been a cornerstone in her life. She has been the Vice-President of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League for the past 15 years and is on the executive of Holy Eucharist Parish. She has carolled for the church since the age of 13, served on the Altar Society and taught Catechism at Hafford School. She is the choir leader at Holy Eucharist Church.

Ann and John Ogenchuk were blessed with a son, John and a daughter, Marcella. They reside in the Hafford district.

Edward Werbicki was born to immigrant parents Anna and Paul Werbicki in Wakaw, Saskatchewan. After completing high school Ed worked at various jobs and in 1965 he earned his teaching certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. Thereafter Ed followed a career as an educator that spanned 30 years in the Catholic elementary school system in Saskatoon. He was a classroom teacher for three years, a Vice-Principal for two years and twenty-five years as Principal at various schools.

Edward has been involved in the Ukrainian community for many years. He invariably takes on leadership roles in organizations and always applies high ethical standards to attain positive results. Ed has been a member of St. George’s Cathedral Parish of Saskatoon since 1957 having spent the last eleven years as Secretary and Chairperson of the Personnel and Rental committees. He is very active in the Knights of Columbus having held various executive positions including the offices of Grand Knight District Deputy and Faithful Navigator of Bishop Nikita Budka 4th Degree Council. He was Chairman of the Knights of Columbus Carol Festival for twenty-five years. He was the First Vice-President of the Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Building Committee of Musйe Ukraina Museum in Saskatoon. He has been involved in the Parent’s Auxiliary of the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble as Secretary, has acted as Chairman of the Security Committee of Saskatoon’s Folkfest Kyiv pavilion, and was Director and Secretary of Saskatchewan Ukrainian Catholic Eparchial camp at St. Volodymyr Camp. Ed’s innovative ideas, leadership abilities and organizational skills are valued by all of the organizations with which he is associated. He also has worked tirelessly by volunteering his time in various capacities in relation to St. George’s Parish’s yearly events such as Yarmarok and Easter teas as well as Eparchial banquets.

Ed married Elizabeth (Servetnyk) in 1957. They have three children, Sharon, James and Patricia.

William was born on the family farm near Garland, MB to Harry and Barbara Dudar. Upon completion of his high school education in Ethelbert, MB, he continued his education at Teacher’s College and taught school for 11 years. At that time, teachers of Ukrainian descent, who were in a school district where the majority of the residents were of Ukrainian descent, were expected to teach Ukrainian to pupils after school as a voluntary extracurricular activity. This William graciously did for 11 years.

In 1947, William left teaching. He and his wife, Adeline, moved to Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, where they owned and operated a Robinson store for 21years. During this period, William served as a village councillor and the Mayor from 1954-1963. His other community involvements included being a member of the local school board and a charter member of the Lion’s Club.

William, Adeline and their four children relocated to Saskatoon in 1968. Semi-retired, William preferred to be involved and contributing, so he joined the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. From then on, William’s volunteer life was devoted to church and community. By offering his talents as a cantor for many years, he provided a professional touch to his liturgical contributions.

Upon becoming part of the executive of the Ukrainian Catholic Council for Saskatchewan, and President for four years, he and his executive members co-ordinated the events of the visit of His Beatitude Patriarch Josyf Slipyj and the 25th anniversary celebrations of Bishop Roborecki in Saskatoon in 1973.

A long-standing Brotherhood project, to which William devoted his time for numerous years, was the maintenance and improvement of St. Volodymyr Park at Pike Lake.

William served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Home in Saskatoon for many years including several years as Chairman. During his time on the board, he led it to the successful addition of a 45-resident wing to the Home.

In the seven years leading up to the Millennium of the Christianity of Ukraine, William initiated fund-raising programs throughout the eparchy for the establishment of an institute on the University of Ottawa campus.

William Dudar’s participation within his church and community proclaim him as a man of many talents and skills, who was always ready to devote himself to achieving the goals of his particular involvement.

Katerina Oleski is the daughter of Donald and Joanne Oleski. She attended elementary and high school in Melville, Saskatchewan. Katerina obtained her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Regina in 2002.

Currently she is a teacher in the Regina Catholic School system. Part of her teaching assignment, at St. Catherine Community School, is the core Ukrainian program whose components are language, culture and traditions.

Exposing her students to the Ukrainian cultural has been enhanced by such things as encouraging and establishing a pen pal program with students in Ukraine. These students have also assisted as Disc Jockeys—hosts during some of the weekly one-hour ‘Muzyka Ukraine’ programs over a local community radio station. Katerina and her class are frequent guests on this radio program. She also corresponds with several teachers in Ukraine.

Katerina continues to study the Ukrainian language at adult evening classes and is part of the organizing committee for the annual Adult Ukrainian Language Immersion Camp held at Trident Camp, Crystal Lake, Saskatchewan.

The teaching, once a week, of English as a Second Language (ESL) to new Ukrainian immigrants to Regina is another of Katerina’s many volunteer activities. She has taken several trips to Ukraine—once with a dance troupe. On another occasion, Katerina, at her own expense, travelled to Ukraine, taking a group of Canadian students to the youth camp Zustrich in Kosiv and serving as a volunteer teacher of English to young Ukrainian students.

Her love and appreciation of traditional Ukrainian music has Katerina searching for ways to expand the knowledge and appreciation by others of the Ukrainian culture and heritage. To assist her students of Ukrainian, Katerina chooses public forums for them to participate in such as the Mosaic Festival (Kyiv Pavilion) and the Rotary Carol Festival. Katie has emceed and had her students participate at various Ukrainian events. She assists with entertaining students from Ivano-Frankivsk University who spend a three-month work term in Regina.

The Regina Multicultural Council, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Regina, and career-associated organizations have benefited from Katerina’s membership and active participation.

Katerina’s activities in support of the Ukrainian community have made a very significant contribution to the enrichment and preservation of Ukrainian education and culture in this province. She is a worthy recipient of the Youth Achievement Award.

Brett Philip Mark Strutynski
b. September 16, 1988 (Yorkton, SK)

Youth Achievement