Born to Harry and Joyce (Sorokan) Boyko of Alvena, Diane Boyko was raised along with her sister, Karen Oleksyn, and brother, Rob Boyko, in a family that ensured being Ukrainian was a way of life.

Having spent her formative years in Alvena, after high school Diane moved to Saskatoon and continued her education in the college of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan. But Alvena will always be home, and she returns often to celebrate community events and cantor at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Michael for liturgical services.

Ukrainian culture, tradition, and the Byzantine Rite have always been very important to Diane and are evident in her volunteer activities. She sang with Vesna Choir and danced with the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble for many years. She served as president of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada at St. George’s Cathedral (Saskatoon) and chaired the Social Action Committee for the Eparchial UCWLC. She also directed the Ukrainian Catholic Youth group at the Cathedral and served on Parish Council.

Diane made certain that her own daughters were given the same opportunities to nurture their heritage as she had, and she further supported them and her community via her involvement with Sadochoks, Ukrainian dance, Vesna Choir, and religion classes. Her dedication to her community has her serving on the board of directors of the Musée Ukraina Museum as vice-president, and as a member of Saskatoon’s Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association.

In 2003 Diane was elected as a trustee to the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board, and presently serves as Chair; as well, she is a representative for the Saskatchewan School Boards Association to the University Senate. As an ambassador through education, she models herself with a wide variety of communities, promoting values of language and heritage as an integral part of the school experience. Diane diligently builds partnerships with numerous agencies to provide nutrition programs, leadership opportunities and cultural enrichment, particularly with First Nation communities.

Diane extends her leadership and creative talents into the greater Saskatoon community through the arts. She has been the coordinator for the Sundog Arts and Entertainment Faire in Saskatoon since 1995. Diane has been the co-chair of the JUNO Awards and was accredited to search for talent in the Canadian Music Recordings. Later she served on the committee hosting the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Her winning personality, friendly disposition, enthusiasm, leadership skills, and her ability to connect and bring out the best in others make her an exemplary role model promoting her language, faith, culture, and traditions.

In 2012 she was honoured with the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Diane continues to work tirelessly in her Saskatoon community when she’s not visiting her daughters, Lesia (Drew Sinden) in Victoria, BC and Stacia Horbay in Mexico.

Stephen T. Senyk was born June 20, 1942 in Melville, the youngest of five children born to William and Michalena (Pilat) Senyk. Stephen grew up in the City of Melville, where he was active in the local church community and youth groups, including cadets and hockey. Following the completion of his grade 12 in Melville, he attended the University of Alberta earning his Bachelor of Science in 1964. The following year, he received his Diploma in Education from the University of Saskatchewan.

In 1965, Stephen attained his first teaching position as Principal of Yellow Creek High School. He then moved to Regina, where he worked for the Provincial Corrections and attended the University of Regina, completing his Bachelor of Education with Great Distinction in 1972.

Stephen’s working career evolved in the education field with emphasis on development of community training programs, counselling units, and the establishment of standards of basic care and administration for correctional centres in Saskatchewan.

From 1977 to 1993, he was Principal of Saskatchewan Government Correspondence School. Here, Stephen created and implemented modular learning materials, tele-tutoring, teleconferencing and televised instructional services, and computer managed records and reporting systems. After leaving the Correspondence School, Stephen continued his career with the Southeast Regional College as Associate Dean, Acting President and CEO, and as Institutions Analyst with the Saskatchewan Department of Learning.

Highlights of Stephen’s leadership in the Ukrainian community include: activity in the Kameniari student society at St. Petro Mohyla Institute in Saskatoon, where he also served a term as president; Saskatchewan CYMK (Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association) president in 1965-66; choir member of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Regina, where he also served two terms as president. He was instrumental in the preparation of Handbook for Recent Immigrants from Ukraine in the City of Regina. Stephen is a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Men’s Association of Regina and has served two terms as president. Nationally, Stephen has served as the national president of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association of Canada and has received the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League Award of Excellence in 1993 and 2011. While serving as chair (since 2009) of St. Petro Mohyla Institute, Stephen was instrumental in establishing recognition of the institute as a National Historic Event by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada on September 24, 2011. Stephen currently is vice-president of Selo Gardens and continues to volunteer in various Ukrainian projects: Regina Mosaic, Kyiv Pavilion, Ukrainian Kitchen (food service at the Regina Exhibition), and with the UCC National Arts Council.

Stephen is married to Sandra (Darcovich) and they are proud parents of three married daughters and grandparents to eleven grandchildren.

Ostap Skrypnyk was born in Regina, the youngest son of Yarko and Sonia Skrypnyk. As a child, Ostap relocated with his family to Edmonton, Alberta. There, he was active in Plast Ukrainian Scouting and CYMK (Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association).

While earning his History degree at the University of Alberta, he was active in the Ukrainian Students’ Club and began working at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. In 1988, Ostap participated in the inaugural Lviv State University–University of Alberta Exchange and spent six months in Lviv, Ukraine.

After graduation, Ostap worked with the Historic Sites Service of Alberta. In 1991, he became the Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council in Saskatoon.

At UCC-SPC, he helped the organization build ties with Ukraine and develop relationships between Ukraine, the Provincial Government, the two Universities and the Ukrainian community groups. In 1995, he helped negotiate the formation of the Provincial Government’s Advisory Committee on Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations and acted as the Secretary to the committee until 2002. He was a member of the University of Saskatchewan Ukraine Relations Committee and a founding member of the Canada-Ukraine Centre, Inc. Ostap helped in the establishment of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) and UCC-SPC became one of its original members.

Ostap established and updated UCC-SPC’s presence on the Internet, incorporating new technologies for organizational effectiveness. He oversaw the development of redesigning Visnyk and introducing electronic bulletins.

Ostap was a member of the Multicultural Interim Committee, which consolidated multiculturalism and funding within one agency. He was a board member of Hostelling International Saskatchewan and of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

In 2002, Ostap moved to Winnipeg, where he worked as Executive Director of the National Ukrainian Canadian Congress until 2008.

Since then, apart from a brief time with the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, he has been a consultant offering services in organizational development, community and government relations as well as events planning and management. As of late, Ostap provides services to the UCC Manitoba Provincial Council on a part-time basis.

He has been an international election observer representing the UCC, Canada and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe since 2004 on numerous occasions, both on short- and long-term postings.

Ostap is married to Marta Skrypnyk and they have two born-in-Saskatchewan adult children, Evanka and Olenka.

Cultural Preservation & Development

Helen was born the third eldest of seven children to Michael and Catherine Torbiak. They were hardworking parents, whose faith was very important and strong, as were their Ukrainian Catholic beliefs and traditions. This hard work, deep faith, love and dedication to one’s family members was what Helen grew up with and passed on to her own daughters.

Helen received her education at Dehowa Elementary and Poplar Field Collegiate. In 1961, she attended Manitoba Teachers’ College in Winnipeg and found her first teaching job at Ringrose School at the age of 17. From 1962 to 1967 she continued taking Education classes at the University while she taught at various schools. At St. Andrew’s College she met Zenovey Danylchuk while he was studying medicine.

Helen earned her Education degree in 1967 and Zenovey his medical degree in 1970. They married on August 26, 1967, moving to Canora in 1970 for Zenovey to join his father in a family medical practice. Here, they raised four daughters. Although Helen did not continue her formal teaching profession, like her mother, she chose to become involved in all aspects of her children’s education, thereby engaging with children of all ages.

Many organizations benefited from Helen’s tenacious, hardworking personality. Whatever position Helen held, she was always well prepared, well informed and had a plan ready to go. She joined the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora and became actively involved in creating a Sadochok program for pre-school and school-aged children; she directed the Sunday School program choirs; she was the CYMK (Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association) parent supervisor. Helen loved to sing and was a strong voice in the church choir.

Helen was also a member of the Maria Markovych Branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada where she held executive and committee positions. Other organizations that benefited from Helen’s generosity of her knowledge and hard work were the Canora Figure Skating Club, School Band, Parkland Music Festival, and the Canora Veselka Dance School.

Helen served nine years as an elected member of the Canora School Division Board and as vice-chairperson from 1985 to 1991. She kept informed on all educational issues locally, provincially and federally, and was very concerned about keeping the instruction of the Ukrainian language in the Canora schools. Helen also served on the construction committee for the Canora Composite School renovation.

Helen’s dedication and great sense of humour endeared her to all those around her. She was a great inspiration to her community.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her “Darling Four,” Larissa (Brent Van Caeseele), Lesia (Dale Kushner), Paula (Brad Onysko), and Patrusia (Robert Rudy), along with her grandchildren, Camryn, Zachary and Jaclynn, Hanna, and Taisa and Danika.

Elmer Malec was the fifth child born to Stephen and Ksenka (née Gulansky) Malec.

Upon completing grade 10, Elmer moved to Saskatoon where he continued his high school education. Due to the extreme shortage of teachers at that time, Elmer was hired as a Study Supervisor in the Kinistino School Unit shortly after completing his grade 11. At age 17 he joined the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) where he trained in airborne radar. After his honourable discharge, he returned to Prince Albert where he completed his senior matriculation. Attendance at Saskatoon Teachers College earned him the title of Teacher. In time, Elmer earned Bachelors degrees in Arts and Engineering.

Elmer enjoyed a teaching career which spanned 29 years, enjoying time spent in rural schools. He was dedicated to academics for his students and also encouraged a healthy lifestyle as well as a love for sports, specifically hockey and softball.

Elmer holds Levels 1 & 2 Coaching Certificates in hockey and softball. For more than twenty years his teams competed provincially, and for thirteen of those years they stood on the winners podiums. A highlight of his sports involvement occurred in 1985 when he brought the National Softball Midget Boys Championships to Prince Albert.

Music also plays a very important role in Elmer’s life. His instrument of choice was the trumpet which he played in the military band. After his discharge, he continued to play with a local band, which performed at many social events.

Retirement in 1991 allowed Elmer more time to share his leadership skills with his Ukrainian community. During his presidency with the Prince Albert & District Veselka Ukrainian Culture and Heritage Club, he formulated and wrote its first constitution. He taught conversational Ukrainian for adults and youth, he organized and he also taught in a children’s Sadochok program. Elmer was instrumental in the formation of the Veselka Choir, which, in addition to performing, produced two CDs: Traditional Ukrainian Songs and Ukrainian Christmas Carols. The organization provided financial support to children attending Ukrainian summer camps and for tuition and textbooks required by students attending the University of Saskatchewan. Seniors enjoyed a variety of trips sponsored by Veselka. An obelisk was erected recognizing the achievements of the pioneers in that area.

Elmer has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership and dedication to his community, including Softball Saskatchewan Man of the Year (1983), City of Prince Albert Award of Merit (1996), Citizen of the Month (1996), and Kinsmen Club’s Sportsman of the Year (1996) to name a few.

Elmer continues to volunteer his time and talents with his community in Prince Albert. He and Margaret are proud parents of Michael, Pamela, and Andrea, and grandparents to three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Cultural Preservation & Development and Volunteerism

The youngest of three children born to Joseph and Lena (née Skibinsky) Mazur, Ken grew up on a farm near the town of Donwell, in a Ukrainian-speaking household. Ken was influenced by his cultural roots. His parents passed away before Ken was 30, and he realized that he wanted to learn more about his family history and genealogy, so he made a point of seeking out his cultural connections.

Education was important to Ken, and he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Electronics and Communications from the University of Saskatchewan and an MBA with a major in Business Management from the University of Regina. He also has received a certificate in Internet Marketing from the University of British Columbia.

Throughout his working career, Ken was always involved with leading edge technology, both technical and service development. Even after many years of employment with SaskTel and now in retirement, Ken builds and refurbishes computers for schools in the Computers For Schools program in Regina. Ken currently sits on the University of Regina Senate and has a lifetime membership with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.

Ken has always been a strong believer in the importance of community and bringing together diverse groups. He has had a great influence on the Regina Ukrainian community, and his energy and commitment have provided the community with much to be proud of. Ken helped revitalize the branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Regina, where he has served as president. He has served as vice-president for the Regina Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and has been involved in many projects, including hosting the Canada-Ukraine Scientific Internship Program, a University of Regina exchange program with the University of Ivano-Frankivsk.

His dedication and enthusiasm are evident in his work within the community. Ken has been a longtime member of the organizing committee for the Adult Ukrainian Language Immersion Course at Crystal Lake, Saskatchewan.

Ken’s outgoing personality has made him a valuable liaison for newcomers to Regina with his hands-on involvement in the settlement program. He has been a volunteer to numerous organizations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Men’s Association, Ukrainian dance organizations, the Ukrainian National Federation, and the Kyiv Pavilion at Mosaic.

Ken has a love for music and electronics, often blending the two together. He volunteers his time every week as a DJ (programmer) of the Muzyka Ukraine radio program in Regina and he sings with the Iskra Ukrainian Choir.

Ken enjoys spending time with his partner, Wendy Heuchert, and passing on his family history to his two children, Erin Wood and Daniel Mazur.

Russel, the second youngest of eight children born to Wasyl and Kateryna Pankiw, was raised on his parents’ farm in the Goodeve/Fenwood area. He attended Halech, a country school for grades 1 to 8, and completed grade 12 at Melville High School. After grade 12 he attended the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. After two years he changed course and went to Teachers College in Regina, where he earned his Standard A Teaching Certificate in 1963.

During the summer he worked for an engineering company in Regina and found it to be more interesting than teaching and thus began his career in land surveying. He obtained his Saskatchewan Land Surveyors Commission in 1972 while working for the Surveys Branch of Saskatchewan Natural Resources. In 1978 he began working with Surveys Branch of Land Titles in Saskatchewan and was appointed Chief Surveyor in 1979, a position he held until 1990. At that time he got a job with the Surveys Branch of Natural Resources Canada, where, in 1994, he received his Commission as a Canada Lands Surveyor. Russel retired in 2006.

Russel has been an active member of the Ukrainian community of Regina. He has been a member of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church since 1970. He serves as a member of the Brotherhood and has served on the Parish Council as director, facilities person (Hospodar), and treasurer, which position he presently holds. Russel was treasurer for the auditorium building committee in 1978 and then treasurer for 17 years on the committee charged with operating the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium. For many years Russel has been involved with setup and dismantling of the facility for UCC Regina’s Kyiv Ukrainian Pavilion during Regina’s Mosaic Festival. Russel served on the board of the Tavria Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and was treasurer for two years.

In addition to volunteering in the church community at fund raising, making varenyky and cabbage rolls, Russel also volunteered as shuttle driver for the 2003 Grey Cup, 2006 Tim Hortons Brier, 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, 2013 Farm Progress Show, and for twelve consecutive years at the Canadian Western Agribition.

Russel and his wife, Rosalie (née Kutcher), have three children, Lana, Zane, and Melissa, and two grandchildren, Ava and Graeya.

Rose was the sixth of ten children born to Michael and Michalina Einhorn. Her mother died when Rose was five, and her father worked away from home so she was raised by her oldest brother, Joe. Rose grew up in the Dirty Thirties and from an early age believed in “the Glory of God” that provided her with the strength and determination towards a better life.

That strength and determination saw Rose through many tough times, but she always looked to the positive in every situation and even found a way to inspire others.

After high school, Rose moved to Uranium City. Her strong sense of community mindedness shone through when she helped to build a community out of tents and shacks. In 1958 she married Michael Wasylenka, and they built their life and family together in Uranium City.

As Mayor of Uranium City from 1979 to 1982, Rose fought to find some viable alternatives to keep Uranium City alive after the main employer, Eldorado Nuclear, closed their mining operations. In 1982 she appeared on CBC’s Front Page Challenge for all of her hard work and determination to keep the community going.

She has served in various leadership positions within St. George’s Senior Citizens Club, St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish (Saskatoon), St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League, UCC Saskatoon Branch, Saskatoon Folkfest, Ukrainian Day in the Park, and Vesna Festival. Through her leadership and administrative abilities, Rose created the constitution and bylaws for St. George’s Senior Citizens Club.

Rose received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

Throughout her life, Rose has been a role model for others. She would never ask others to do something she herself was not willing to do. For every organization she has ever worked with, Rose’s strong will and determination have made great impact.

Rose is a blessing to her community and to her family. She misses her husband, Michael, every day, but takes comfort in her children, Brenda, Zoria, and Michael Jr., along with her grandchildren, Matthew, Britney, and Michael John, while staying very active in her Saskatoon community.

Born to Doreen (Michayluk) and Dr. Evan Howlett, Marnie is the middle child, with an older brother, Joel, and a younger sister, Jill.

Marnie is a driven and dedicated individual. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in International Studies. She graduated top of her class at St. Thomas More College and plans to complete a Master’s Degree in International Relations.

Marnie has demonstrated compassion and leadership, engaging her community to address issues and concerns in local and international settings. In high school, her extracurricular activities included heading up major projects like Christmas food hampers, school musicals and events, and participating in most school social, leadership and sports teams. She has also been involved in Ukrainian dance as a student and instructor, and with youth groups and choirs. She currently dances with the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble.

Not one to sit idle, Marnie has had hands-on involvement with orphaned and disadvantaged children in Ukraine. She has worked directly with the orphaned children through a summer camp in Ukraine. Back at home she organized the “With Ukraine in Our Hearts” fundraiser in 2015 to help raise awareness and support for disadvantaged children.

Marnie is an exemplary role model. She is accomplished in academics, sports, culture, music, dancing, and volunteerism. She has received awards and scholarships, including Saskatoon Public School’s top graduate (a 99% average), the Governor General’s Medal, the University of Saskatchewan Greystone Scholarship, the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association Ukrainian Language Award, the Rose Semko Hrynchuk Scholarship, and the Dave Mysak Future Leaders Award.

Marnie’s enthusiasm, work ethic and positive attitude make her an inspiration to those around her. She is a true leader in the making!

Brighton Stefanyshyn was born the second oldest of nine children, and raised in Prince Albert. As one of the oldest, she has been required to take on many different responsibilities to help out within the family.

She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Prince Albert, and received her PCDI Canada College Diploma. Currently she is enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan in the College of Education.

Brighton is passionate about dance and her cultural roots. She started Ukrainian dancing at the age of four, and has been dancing ever since, receiving numerous scholarships, medals, and awards. She has performed across the province, in Alberta, and in Dauphin, Manitoba at various festivals and events. Her enjoyment of her Ukrainian culture and natural talent for teaching has inspired her to teach an adult class this year, which she finds immensely rewarding.

When she is not in school, working, or dancing, Brighton finds the time to volunteer and share her other talents at seniors homes, hospitals, Christmas concerts, and at cultural events like Prince Albert’s Veselka Festival, Obzhynky, and Ukrainian Day in the Park. She sings in the church choir and Brighton is a member of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish Council (Prince Albert). She also heads up First Communion classes, Christmas carolling, and has been in charge of the Spiritual, Social and Youth Committees. Her leadership skills and willingness to tackle any project set in front of her make her a valuable and inspiring part of her community.

Brighton has received numerous school awards and honours for her many volunteer endeavours to improve and enhance her community. She was awarded the City of Prince Albert’s “Peace and Honour Award.” She sets out on a path to achieve big goals, despite any challenges she faces. She is determined and has a strong work ethic. Brighton is a wonderful role model.

Brighton is proud of her heritage, her culture and especially her family. The Stefanyshyns have a great reputation of doing things together, whether dancing, volunteering, or having fun!

David Dutchak and his three siblings were born into the family of Michael and Ida Dutchak in Blaine Lake.

David’s late father, Michael Dutchak, founder of MD Ambulance, cultivated a unique vision for Emergency Medical Services. Following in his father’s footsteps, David began working for his father and became the President and CEO of MD Ambulance. MD Ambulance is the only EMS service in Canada that staffs paramedics in emergency departments, Air Ambulance, correctional institutes, and tactical paramedics with Saskatoon Police Services and mine sites.

David invests much of his time and creative vision into the community he calls home. He sits as a board member of the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee, is one of the founding members of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada, Past President of Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services Association (SEMSA), and a Senate member at the University of Saskatchewan. David has served in leadership roles in a number of associations, including the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce (Past President) and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (Past President), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame to both chamber organizations.

Seeing the difficulties of the Ukrainian people affected by the ongoing armed conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, David was not able to sit still. He spearheaded the campaign to ship ambulances from Canada to Ukraine for the needs of Ukrainian hospitals treating the wounded. A two-phase Ambulances for Ukraine project united the efforts of many volunteers, provincial and national organizations and resulted in delivery of four fully-equipped ambulances to Ukrainian hospitals, with plans to see another 12 to 16 ambulances from Canada delivered to Ukraine.

David Dutchak is a leader and visionary who dreams of Saskatchewan as a world class health care centre and making the province of Saskatchewan the “Mayo of the North.” If the chronicle of David’s involvement in progression of health care within Saskatchewan is a testament to the possibilities that lay ahead, this dream will no doubt become a reality. His goal is to make Saskatchewan the best place to live, work, and invest in.

David currently resides in Saskatoon with his wife, Shannon. They are proud parents of Reilley (wife – Jaimie), Kaela (grandchild – Ophelia), Joshua, Katie, and Jordan.