Dr. Victor Buyniak was born in 1925 in Warsaw, Poland and educated in Canada. In 1954/1955, he was awarded the University of Alberta Research Fellowship from which he received B.A. and M.A. degrees. In 1970 he received a Doctorate from the University of Ottawa.

Victor Buyniak joined the University of Saskatchewan in 1958 as Assistant Professor of Slavic Studies. He became a Full Professor at the University of Saskatchewan in 1973. He received an Associate Fellowship from the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies in 1977. From 1975 to 1981 Dr. Buyniak was head of the U of S Slavic Studies Department and Acting Head of Germanic Languages. He became Head of Germanic Languages from 1979 to 1981 and retired from the University of Saskatchewan in 1993 as a professor in the Modern Languages Department.

Dr. Buyniak, a modest and private man, was first and foremost an academic. He inspired his students by demanding academic work of the highest standard. His academic works cover a broad range and include translation of the Doukhobor Book of Life. His published works in comparative literature focus particularly on the literary reciprocity between Tolstoy and Victorian novelists, and writings on Tolstoy’s support of Ukrainian scholarship, Taras Shevchenko and of the Doukhobor movement.

In addition to his active university career, Dr. Buyniak assisted with translations and presentations on Ukrainian topics as requested by the Ukrainian community; he researched and documented for posterity a list of Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian authors and the various publications printed in the province; he supported and worked closely with the provincial organization of Saskatchewan Teachers of Ukrainian and was involved in professional national organizations by participating in and serving on the Canadian Association of Slavists, the Central and Eastern European Studies Association of Canada, and the Far Western Slavic Conference.

Although he is best known for his scholarly research, he is also recognized as a founder of the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage and for his extremely generous philanthropic support of, and active involvement with, that organization. The interest from the endowment fund created in his name, together with the endowments of other founders, assists in the operational costs and academic programming that includes research projects, conferences, exhibits, publications, Ukrainian language instruction and graduate scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan.

Olga Kotelko was born in 1919 on a farm in Vonda, Saskatchewan, one of eleven children.

After completing her secondary education by correspondence courses, she continued her education at Bedford Road Collegiate, Success Business College, Saskatoon Normal School and the Universities of Saskatchewan and British Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor of Education Degree.

When she was 37 years old, she moved to British Columbia with her two daughters. Olga taught for the Burnaby School Board as a classroom teacher and then as a hospital and homebound teacher. She was also an exchange teacher in Nuneaton, England and spent one summer in Kampala, Uganda.

Thirty-four years of teaching, UBC night classes, working at the Royal City Cannery in New Westminster during the summer and raising two daughters left little time for outdoor athletic pursuits.

With a move to West Vancouver in 1989 and encouragement from her family, she became involved in the local seniors centre. Shortly thereafter, Olga hit the sports radar at age 70 as a player with the North Shore Slo-Pitch team. Olga turned to track and field, choosing the throwing and running events. Assisted by two high school teacher coaches, she soon mastered shot put, javelin and discus.

Her first competition in the 75-79 age division took place in 1997. In 2009 she set 32 world records. She has amassed over 650 gold medals and numerous other awards. Competitions have taken her to championships in many foreign countries. At age 92 she holds 12 world records. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was asked to carry the Olympic Flame during the “Torch Run” for the Vancouver Olympics.

Olga has always been very active in the Ukrainian community participating and promoting the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. She is an Honorary Life Member of the UCWLC and has served at the branch, eparchial and national levels as president, vice-president, and recording and correspondence secretary. She was instrumental in the production of the UCWLC cookbook Ukrainian Traditional and Modern Cuisine. She is a member of the Vancouver church choir, the Svitanok Folk Chorus and she has acted in a “Vinkopletannia” operetta. Currently she is a member of St. Mary’s Branch UCWLC.

She resides in West Vancouver where she is in demand as a promotional speaker and fitness instructor. She continues to train for competitions and enjoys her hobbies of reading and gardening.

The younger of two children born to Wasyl and Anna Lozowchuk, Yars grew up on the family farm in Hafford, Saskatchewan. During his formative years, Yars was active in local political, social, church and Ukrainian youth organizations. Following completion of Grade 12 in Hafford, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1966 (Political Science, Sociology and Slavic Studies) from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Arts (Sociology) from York University, Toronto. He completed all but the dissertation requirements for a Ph.D. (Sociology) also at York University.

Yars’ working career included serving as a university instructor and lecturer in sociology; director of Field Operations with the National Mincome Project; executive director of Celebrate Saskatchewan; director of Public Affairs Research with SaskPower; executive director of Selo Ukraina – Dauphin, Manitoba; and executive director of the Saskatchewan Choral Federation, a position he held for 21 years until his retirement in August 2007. During his tenure with the Federation, he expanded the choral library making it one of the most significant in Canada, if not North America. In celebration of Saskatchewan’s 100th Anniversary, Yars produced Land of the Singing Skies, a CD compilation of national and provincially composed and/or arranged selections performed by Saskatchewan choirs. His contribution to the Saskatchewan arts community was recognized by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. His choral leadership continues today as host of Muzyka Ukraine on CJRT community radio.

Highlights of Yars’ far-reaching leadership in the Ukrainian community include: organizing cultural projects and concert tours while he was a member of Kameniari student society at Mohyla Institute; organizing for Canadian Ukrainian Youth; acting as assistant principal of Mohyla Institute and vice-rector of St. Vladimir’s Institute in Toronto; vice-president, CYMK national executive (1969-71); international election observer in Ukraine; more than 30 years as a member and leader in the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church (DHSUOC) in Regina—currently serving a second term as the parish president. He also served on the Selo Gardens Housing Board and other church-related administrative boards. He was instrumental in establishing an outreach program for inner city elementary grade school children through the Thompson School Lunch Program operated by the DHSUOC.

Yars is the proud father of three children, Larissa, Markian and Oleksa, and proud grandfather of four grandchildren.

David was the son of the late Walter and Bernice (née Ortynsky) Mysak. He was born and raised in Canora where he received his elementary and high school education. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1969. While at university, he resided at Mohyla Institute, where he was an active Bursak and met many of his lifelong friends.

David was a leader, mentor, visionary and community builder as was exemplified in his leadership roles within his church parish, Vesna Festival, Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association, Persephone Theatre, Tryzub Society, Ilarion Residence and Federated Co-op.

David was president of his parish (All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church). His tenure in the Brotherhood saw him organize innovative fundraising events for the parish. David’s passion for cultural retention and promotion inspired him to take on important roles in the community, leaving a lasting legacy in each of them. As board chair of the Vesna Festival, he invited and hosted both Premier Devine and then Prime Minister Mulroney. Under David’s leadership, Yevshan became one of the first Canadian dance troupes to perform in a newly independent Ukraine. In 1998, David led a group of individuals who were interested in re-establishing the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Saskatoon.

David’s tireless dedication to society extended beyond the Ukrainian community. He was one of the key drivers of the ‘capital campaign’ for the Persephone Theatre raising millions in the process. David’s contributions were recognized by a recent dedication of the run of the play “Rabbit Hole” to his memory. His involvements and leadership within the Tryzub Society and Ilarion Residence (chairperson) are further testaments to the leadership role played by him.

David’s contributions to Federated Co-op and Western Canada as the director of Human Resources are described by his former employer of 40 years in this fashion: “He was responsible for the development, maintenance and delivery of numerous adult learning courses and opportunities. This contributed greatly to the 19,000 employees and 3,000 elected officials developing their own skills and leadership qualities. The benefits, in turn, were not only applied to the workplace, but were also applied in the 500-plus communities of Western Canada.”

David and his wife, Sonia (Harasym), raised their family in Saskatoon. They have three children, Tania, Michael and Kristen. He is ‘Dido’ to four grandchildren.

Creativity / Cultural Preservation

Paul is the eighth child of Harry and Eva Harach of Krydor, Saskatchewan. His formal education ended in 1937, at age 16, when he left school to farm with his father during a time remembered as drought and depression. Four years later he bought his own farm and began his long involvement in agriculture.

Paul’s involvement in the community began at age twelve when his father purchased him membership in the local Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. His many years of service to that organization saw him awarded with a lifetime membership. He was secretary-treasurer of Zaporozhe School (the school of his childhood), president and long-time member of the local Farmers Union, one of the first members of the Hafford Credit Union, a member of the Agriculture team for the Redberry Municipal Council, and a founding member of the Hafford Cooperative.

Paul was and continues to be a dedicated member of his church community. He has been an active member of Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hafford for 65 years and has served on the parish executive. He is a regular member of the choir.

In addition to agriculture and church community activities, Paul loves making music. He joined the Harach’s Melody Boys band in 1938 and bought his first banjo (from Eaton’s) in 1939 for $29.00. To do so he put $5.00 down and got two references to vouch for the fact that he could carry the $2.00 monthly payments. After the banjo was sold, a clarinet was purchased on payments of $3.05 over ten months. In 1940 a saxophone was purchased for $30.00, at which time Paul became the leader of his band. His passion for music led him to teach himself guitar, banjo, clarinet, keyboard and accordion, but his main musical friends are the alto, bass and tenor saxophones.

In 1965 he joined the Hamp Brothers band from Radisson and continues to play with them to this day. Paul, singer Kathy Flath, and accordionist Ron Tanchuk produced a Musical Journey CD. Paul also produced a second CD with Ron Tanchuk.

In 2007 Paul was recognized as an accomplished double diamond musician for purveying music for over 70 years. He believes “music is the elixir to longevity.”

Paul and his wife, Nellie (Novicki), have been married for 66 years. They have two daughters, Paulette and Gayle, and six grandchildren.

Cultural Preservation / Volunteerism

Anne, daughter of Michael and Marie Beck, was born in Wroxton, Saskatchewan, the eldest of fourteen children. Being involved in the Ukrainian community was a way of life for Anne as she served on countless committees. She was instrumental in organizing both Sadochok and Ridna Shkola along with holding numerous executive positions with the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League in Yorkton. Anne was always interested in serving and ensuring that the Ukrainian language and culture were passed on to the next generation. In 1994, Anne was one of the founding members of St. Mary’s Parish Council. She was an incredibly easy person to work with and was always very generous in sharing her knowledge and experience.

Anne played an important role in developing the ‘Cultural’ component of St. Mary’s Cultural Centre in Yorkton, which included collecting artifacts, costumes and establishing permanent display cases for these articles. She was a creative, gifted individual with a passion for the preservation of our Ukrainian heritage. The diversity of her talents is demonstrated in watercolour and oil paintings, pen and ink sketches, crushed glass design, dried flower arranging and dough art. She spent many hours giving of her time as she demonstrated many of these mediums at school and community events.

Anne has had the opportunity to have her artwork displayed at Yorkton’s Godfrey Dean Art Gallery. She helped with the construction of a Ukrainian thatched roof home and piche (clay oven), which was used in various parades. A replica of a Ukrainian log house, which she helped build, is on display at Oseredok Museum in Winnipeg. Her talents and energy were many and in 1975 she was awarded a Woman of the Year Award. In 2000, the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum presented her with a certificate for her many contributions.

Anne Abrametz and husband Stephen have donated to St. Joseph’s College, Sacred Heart Academy, St. Vladimir’s in Roblin, and the Musée Ukraina Museum in Saskatoon and have been supporters of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church for over 70 years. Anne is mother to six children and continues to reside in Yorkton.

Cultural Preservation / Volunteerism

Taras was born at Donwell, Saskatchewan to Andrew and Mary Korol, farming pioneers in the district. His parents instilled in him a love of community and Ukrainian culture. Taras was raised with three sisters, a brother, and a cousin who grew up with the Korol family. He attended Bridok School and was a student at Yorkton Collegiate for part of his high school. He attended Normal School in 1946. He earned his B.Ed. in 1960 at the University of Saskatchewan and a B.A. in 1966 at the University of Regina.

He taught elementary and high school students for 30 years and was principal in Davin and Hudson Bay.

As a rural school teacher he was involved in many community projects such as establishing community halls, the development of a church cemetery in Hudson Bay and acting as editor of the Lumsden Hills of Home history book. He was also a member of the Canora history book committee and was the editor of the 75th Anniversary Sliding Hills R.M. history.

Taras has an impressive history of community leadership. He has served as president of the Canora Branch of the Self-Reliance Association and was recognized with that organization’s Award of Excellence in 2000. He is a member of the Order of St. Andrew, is a supporter of the Ukrainian Voice newspaper and St. Andrew’s College. He is president of the Canora Welcome Statue Committee. He is past president of the Canora UCC. He has served on many project committees such as Canora Colors, Lions Club events, Whitesand TransCanada Trail, and town anniversaries. Taras was a graduate director of the Canora Credit Union.

Taras has been a counsellor, director, and board member of Trident Camp at Crystal Lake. He was editor of the history of the first 50 years of the camp and continues to document it.

Taras has visited Ukraine seven times and has assisted immigrant visitors to our province. Taras, a hobby farmer, hosted two Ukrainian farmers for a month under the UCC-SPC Private Farmers Exchange. He has been with the Canora Ag Society for 33 years. He managed/operated a seed cleaning plant and sat on its board locally and provincially.

Taras has received many awards and recognitions.

Taras married Dorothy Duch, a public health nurse, at Erwood in 1963. They raised two sons, Terry and Evan, and a daughter, Rosemarie. He is proud grandparent to Larissa, Alicia, Taylor and Hunter.

Peter Saganski was born on July 23, 1927 and raised on a farm near Krydor, Saskatchewan. His immigrant Ukrainian parents instilled in the young man the value of hard work and love for his Ukrainian heritage.

Peter married Julie Zuck in 1949 and together they raised four children, David, Eileen, Carolyn and Michael. Peter demonstrated his commitment to his church by serving on the parish council as executive member and member of the building committee of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Saskatoon. After the family moved to Regina, Peter served on the parish council executive of St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was president from 1966 to 1970 and was instrumental in writing the first constitution for the parish council.

He is best remembered for his 40-year service and active involvement with the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Budka’s Council #5914, at the state level and was the first ever member of Ukrainian heritage to become a State Deputy. He was member of five international state conventions and director for six years for the Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation.

Peter’s support for his cultural heritage was expressed by his involvement with the Kyiv pavilion and his position of chair of Regina’s Mosaic festival. He also served as board director and executive member of the Regina Multicultural Council; participated in the provincial government’s task force on multiculturalism; served as board director and member of the communications committee of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan; and, was executive member of the Canadian Multicultural Council. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions at all three levels as well as for his participation in the development of Canada’s first Multicultural Act.

Stan was the fifth child in a family of eleven children of Michael and Anne (née Harbuz) Klopoushak. He completed his early education in Hafford. He successfully completed Normal School. Military service interrupted his teaching career during World War II. At one point during the war, he was part of a group of soldiers who were the subjects of tests of the effects of warfare mustard gas and was recognized by the Government of Canada for his participation. Following his discharge from the military with the rank of sergeant, Stan earned a Bachelor of Education in 1950 and a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 from the University of Saskatchewan. A Master of Education degree from the University of Alberta followed.

During his teaching career, Stan initially taught in predominantly Ukrainian communities. He also served as vice-principal and then as principal in Dundurn and Hanley. The rest of his teaching career was spent in Saskatoon, with the last seventeen years, prior to his retirement in 1983, teaching French exclusively.

Stan’s record of leadership in the Ukrainian community is extensive and noteworthy. While he was a resident of Mohyla Institute, he served as president of Kameniari. In 1941 he travelled through northern Saskatchewan on behalf of the Institute organizing Ukrainian schools (Ridni Shkoly). He also served as a Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association (CYMK) organizer and an organizer of CYMK jamborees. Stan and his wife, Anne, helped to develop and lead summer programs for youth at Camp Green Grove at Wakaw Lake. He served as a member of the Mohyla Board of Directors. Stan has also been a member of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (USRA)/TYC since 1965, and has served in most executive positions, including president. Currently he is the organization’s bulletin editor. He was co-chair for the 1991 USRA/CYC convention. Stan has been on the parish executive of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Saskatoon almost continuously since 1971, including two separate terms as the parish president. He has been a member of the church choir over the past 65 years and serves as one of the cantors. Stan volunteered in the Scouting movement for about 25 years. Stan and Anne are generous financial supporters of organizations.

Stan and his wife, Anne (Hankewich), have been blessed with a family of two children, Larry and Cathy, and four grandchildren.

Leadership / Volunteerism

Robert Wuschenny is the eldest child of three born to John and Katherine Wuschenny of the Ituna district. His parents, hard-working farming people, encouraged their son to continue his education and to never forget his Ukrainian heritage.

Robert attended Nanton Public School and Ituna High School. He earned his Teaching Certificate and B.Ed. in Saskatoon. He also attained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Curriculum Studies/Educational Administration. Robert has taken classes/courses in various educational disciplines and has attained a high degree of computer literacy.

Robert taught school for 36 years—grades 5 to adult levels. Fourteen of these years he was an in-school administrator and ten years a counsellor. He was coach and supervisor of various extracurricular school activities. He was a cooperating teacher for interns/student teachers (15 years); College supervisor of interns at the University of Saskatchewan (four years) and held many other leadership roles within the educational system. Once superannuated, he became actively involved in the local Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan chapter in Yorkton and has held several executive positions as well as vice-president at the provincial level.

As a respected member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, he has been Eucharistic Minister since 1985; served in all positions on the parish councils in Yorkton (including president) and in Regina (vice-president); he has been a Partner in Mission for many years and has served as Secretariat for the past four years; he is a spiritual caregiver at the Regina General Hospital.

He is a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, was a member of the Ukrainian Council in Yorkton, and has held executive positions on various committees.

As a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada he served as branch, eparchial and national secretary as well as first vice-president and eparchial president.

Volunteer instructor for the Alzheimer’s Society, secretary for Grow Regina Community Gardens, secretary for the Orchard Committee – Grow Regina Community Gardens, and speed swimming judge are just a few other areas where Robert has volunteered his services. Robert has also acted as a figure skating competition accountant and editor of Spinning into the Spotlight: A History of Figure Skating in Saskatchewan. He has taught Ukrainian language and culture to elementary school students as well as English to Ukrainian newcomers.

Robert and his wife, Adeline, reside in Regina. They have two daughters, Azalea and Trish, and one grandson.