Marlene Bodnar, recipient of the Nation Builder’s Award, is the daughter of George and Mary (Smoly) Pidwerbeski. She was born in Saskatoon, September 1, 1959, the youngest of three children.

Her early years were spent on the family farm near Hafford and in the town of Hafford. In 1967 her family moved to Saskatoon where Marlene completed her elementary school education at St. John Bosco. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Yorkton and completed her high school education at St. Ursula’s Academy in Bruno. After graduation she attended Robertson Secretarial School in Saskatoon.

Marlene’s employment career began as a secretary at St. Joseph’s Home in Saskatoon. From there her career took her into finance, where she is currently employed at TCU Financial Group.

Marlene has been a devoted and active member of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. Her life has revolved around the church and the programs offered. She attended Ridna Shkola, Junior Choir and Plast. Marlene’s mother introduced her to the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC) by purchasing her first year’s membership in 1985. At St. George’s UCWLC she has served as co-president, vice-president, treasurer, and convenor. At the eparchial level of the UCWLC Marlene has served as treasurer, social action chair, and most recently as eparchial president (2015 to present).

Marlene has served as UCC Saskatoon branch president, chair of Saskatoon’s Ukrainian Day in the Park, Folkfest – Kyiv Pavilion, treasurer of Musée Ukraina Museum and board member of Nashi. She has volunteered with numerous other organizations, always willing to take on a leadership position.

One of Marlene’s highlights was co-chairing the 125th National Gala Showcase banquet and concert celebrating 125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. Hosted by UCC Saskatchewan in Regina, the Gala featured well over 250 performers from across Canada, a spectacular evening of beautiful voices, breath-taking dances and exhilarating music.

In 2018, as part of the Eparchial UCWLC Outreach Ukraine Project – Phase II, Marlene travelled to Ukraine where she met with the leadership team and members of the League of Greek Catholic Women of Ukraine. During this trip many women recognized Marlene’s commitment to exploring and initiating future possibilities for the League in Ukraine in collaboration with the UCWLC in Canada. During her visit to Ukraine, Marlene had the opportunity to meet with Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk and discuss these collaborative efforts.

Marlene cherishes her family and fondly recalls the years spent attending Sunday Divine Liturgy with her baba, parents, and her children. Marlene is married to Bernie Bodnar and has five children, Daniel (Christine), Aaron, Matthew (Brandi), Larissa (Craig) and Joseph, and five grandchildren.

Marlene’s energy, organizational ability and determination to build the Ukrainian community is truly inspiring.

Nation Builder Dr. George Fedak, world renowned plant geneticist, was born in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan on December 28, 1940. He was the second of five children born to parents Dmytro and Anna (Antoniuk) Fedak. His family immigrated to Canada from the village of Derevnya in 1929 and settled on a homestead in the Hudson Bay area where George began his exposure to agriculture.

Following elementary and high school, George studied at the University of Saskatchewan and received his B.S.A. and his M.Sc. He continued his studies at the University of Manitoba, completing a Ph.D. in plant genetics.

George began his career as a research scientist for the Research Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He was eventually promoted to Principle Research Scientist, placing him in the top five per cent of scientists in the Research Branch. Over a career of has spanned more than 40 years, George has always felt that his work was more of a hobby than a job.

George was appointed Adjunct Professor at the Universities of Manitoba, Guelph, and Kyiv where he supervised graduate student theses, as well as working with five students from the Ministry of Education in China. He has served as an external examiner of Ph.D. theses from Universities of Alberta, Sweden, Australia and Odesa. George has published 200 authored/co-authored papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 13 book chapters, plus numerous reports/abstracts in conference proceedings. He has supervised and been a presenter and guest speaker at seminars and symposia worldwide.

Special highlights in his career were the interactions and collaborations with Research Institutes in Ukraine. His first trip to Ukraine was in 1974 when he participated in a National Research Council – Academy of Sciences (then USSR) scientist exchange. Eleven research-oriented trips to Ukraine have been made since. Dr. Fedak is a member of the Genetics Society of Ukraine and was a recipient of the Vernadsky gold medal in April 2018. This is the highest award given out by the Academy.

A simplified description of Dr. Fedak’s legacy is discovering genes for disease resistance in plants and devising a methodology for transferring these genes into wheat to give the crop long-term resistance to disease. In 2016 an epidemic of fusarium hit the durum wheat crop in Saskatchewan. Four sources of resistance have been identified and will now be introgressed into Canadian durum wheat.

Dr. Fedak currently resides in Ottawa, where he and his wife Rosaleen (Syrnyk) have been members of St. John the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Church for 45 years. They are both active members in the Ukrainian community and their parish, and George was instrumental in building St. John’s Ukrainian Camp at Lake Newcombe and was a founding member and currently is Lecturer of the St. Vladimir the Great Knights of Columbus Council 9557.

The Fedaks have a son, Andrei in San Fransisco, and a daughter Stephanie, in Ottawa. Stephanie has three children, Katya, Anna, and Ella.

Vaughn Solomon Schofield, SOM, SVM, recipient of the Nation Builders Award, was born on October 25, 1943. She is one of three girls born in Regina to her Romanian-Ukrainian father and English-Irish mother. She learned from her parents the life lesson “treat everybody the same—there are no elite or near-elite people in the world.” Her father, George, was a construction business entrepreneur who played a role in creating Ipsco. An honorary colonel for the Royal Regina Rifles, he also received the Order of Canada.

Vaughn completed her Bachelor of Arts in Regina and obtained a degree in Fashion Merchandising in Chicago. She taught English in Montreal, moved to Toronto, and worked in public relations. Her career highlights include: purchasing, renovating and operating a 120-room resort hotel in Florida; serving as chief financial officer for Sprite North America; travelling throughout North and South America to establish Crime Watch groups. Vaughn worked as an interpreter with the government of Guayaquil, Ecuador to establish Crime Watch. From 1980 to 1985, she wrote and hosted a Crime Prevention talk show in Fort Lauderdale. In 1994, after the death of her father, Vaughn and her husband, Gordon Schofield, moved back to Canada permanently, where she oversaw her late father’s business interests.

Vaughn has dedicated her career to business, the arts, education, broadcasting, corporate governance, crime prevention and community involvement. She is chair and shareholder of business real estate companies holding interests throughout western Canada. Vaughn has had a successful career in business and has provided leadership to provincial, national and international organizations. She is committed to promoting multiculturalism and volunteerism. Interested in supporting military veterans, Vaughn is a member of the Royal United Services Institute. She is honorary colonel of the army reserve’s 38 Service Battalion. She also served as provincial head of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. While in office she had created a special military service pin for people who served with military units in Saskatchewan or left Saskatchewan to serve elsewhere. Over 8,000 pins have been awarded, and other provinces are interested in adopting this concept.

On March 6, 2012 Vaughn was appointed Lieutenant Governor for the province of Saskatchewan. As with her dedication to business and community, Vaughn accepted her nomination and faithfully and graciously carried out her role. During her term, she shone a light onto individuals and groups that do good work and might otherwise not be noticed. She has been a member and leader on boards and associations too numerous to mention and received awards throughout her career, including the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, and Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Vaughn enjoys spending time with friends and family that includes her two children, George and Whitney, and her four grandchildren.

Leadership and Cultural Preservation & Development

Nellie Bachek, recipient of the Community Recognition Award for Leadership and Cultural Preservation and Development, was born in Arran, Saskatchewan on September 13, 1941. Nellie and her two siblings received their early education in the local area until the family moved to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1944. Her family life laid the foundations for Nellie’s lifelong involvement in and passion for Ukrainian culture. While still in Lethbridge, Nellie met Peter Bachek. They married in 1960. Following their marriage, they made their home in Regina. The family later moved to Prince Albert where they became active members in St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish and Nellie participated in the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League (UCWL).

As her children became involved in Ukrainian dance, so too did Nellie. A newly formed dance troupe became the focus of Nellie’s cultural involvement. Only in its second year, Nellie became involved in assisting the troupe, finding instructors to teach for the entire year, sending students to professional workshops or nearby dance festivals, and working to achieve full status of non-profit incorporation for Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers. Nellie chaired the executive for the Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers for 16 years. Supporting her children and those interested in Ukrainian dance and culture became her mission, and she enjoyed spending her time and talents doing so, expanding her knowledge alongside them.

Nellie became an advocate for the organization and sponsorship of the spring Prince Albert Optimist Ukrainian Dance Festival. She also participated in the early organizational foundation of the Prince Albert and District Veselka Cultural and Heritage Club. Nellie has received the CKBI Radio Spirit Award and the Multicultural Award from the UCWL.

Upon retirement from her work as a store cashier in 1997, Nellie continued her interests and dedication to the Ukrainian community. In 2017 and 2018, she travelled to Ukraine and experienced firsthand the land and people who shared the source of her faith and Ukrainian identity.

Nellie cherishes and values the importance of fervent faith, and the abundance of Ukrainian culture through dance and the many varied traditions that are still practised today in Prince Albert and beyond. Her greatest sense of accomplishment has been developing her identity within the Ukrainian community. Nellie and her husband, Peter, have nurtured and passed this identity onto their two children, Janette Nagle and Donald Bachek, who continue the tradition with her grandchildren, Stephanie Frondall, Katrina Nagle, Natasha Nagle, Kesler Bachek, Kingsley Bachek, and great grandson Jonathan Frondall.

John Chrusch, recipient of Community Recognition Award for Leadership and Volunteerism, was born on a farm near Vonda, Saskatchewan on May 7, 1927 to parents John and Mary (Kopiakowski) Chruszcz.

The eighth child in a family of 13, John’s mother died when he was only two years old, and his oldest sister, Rosie, cared for him and the younger children until his father re-married to Anastasia Brunitz. As a child John tended cattle and helped out on the farm. Life during the Depression was difficult, but these early years helped mold John into a man who loved his family, church and Ukrainian roots while showing him the need and value of doing charitable works. John’s belief that “all good and perfect gifts come from above” guided him to work to improve his life as well as that of those around him. As a young man he began a career on the railroad that lasted over 40 years.

John married Angeline Mialkowsky in 1958 and they moved to Saskatoon. They became parishioners of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and embraced life in the parish and Ukrainian community. They joined many groups and became active members, assuming volunteer and leadership roles throughout the years.

In 1976 John began planning with a team of parishioners for a Ukrainian seniors’ residence affiliated to the cathedral, and in 1980 the sod was turned for St. George’s Ukrainian Seniors’ Residence. The building was completed and the first residents moved in on March 1, 1982. John remained with the project from the initial dream until it became a reality and continued on as chairman of the board for over 30 years, until the mortgage was paid off.

John has been very involved in the Knights of Columbus as both a 3rd and 4th Degree member, working up the ranks to become a Grand Knight in 1970-71. As a member of the 4th Degree, John attained the title of Faithful Navigator. He provided honour guards for liturgical events, funerals, and public functions such as the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games and Remembrance Day ceremonies. John has been a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood – Bishop Roborecki Branch, for over 55 years. In 1993 he received the Saskatchewan 125 pin and in 2004 was nominated for a Saskatchewan Volunteer award. He continues to volunteer for numerous charities, including fundraising for Musée Ukraina Museum.

John and Angeline have three sons: James, Alvin and Loran and four grandsons: Jesse, Brenden, Kyle and Ethan. John and Angeline recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Besides continuing to volunteer for various charity and community events, John enjoys spending time in his garden and flower beds.

Leadership and Volunteerism

Linda Rudachyk, recipient of the Community Recognition Award for Leadership and Volunteerism was born in Norquay, Saskatchewan on December 5, 1954. She was raised in the Arabella district where her parents, Alex and Annie, owned and operated a general store and post office. The values of Ukrainian heritage and community involvement were instilled early to Linda and her siblings Zoria, Bill, Lila, and Betty. Following her elementary and secondary education, Linda attended the University of Saskatchewan and Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon to complete a degree in Social Work. Linda resided at Mohyla Institute and participated in the cultural activities within Kameniari and Mohylianky societies, and eventually volunteered at Camp Trident at Crystal Lake, working with young children.

Linda became a social worker in 1977 working for the Department of Social Services in Weyburn. She worked in a variety of positions in Family Services. She developed a Parenting Partners program and worked in foster parent training both provincially and federally, primarily in the areas of young offenders and child welfare. Her investigations of sexual abuse focused on community education of child abuse and, in 1985, she developed a Family Support Program for southeast Saskatchewan.

As a founding member of the Weyburn and Area Council on Child Abuse, Linda established Weyburn as a “Caring Community” in Canada. In 1995 she opened The Family Place, a nationally recognized community-based funded resource centre with programs serving children and families. Family Place evolved, and Linda developed Tiny-Go and Mini-Go preschool programs to provide learning environments for children at risk and assist families who have children who are challenged.

Linda received the Canada 125 Medal in 1992, and Woman of the Year in Weyburn in 2001. In 1999 and 2005 she was named Hometown Hero on CBC Radio Saskatchewan and in 2006 was presented the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Weybex Award by Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 Linda received the Champion of Children Award from the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation for pioneering work with at-risk pre-school children, the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Weyburn Rotary Club and The Order of Merit, our province’s highest honour, as an advocate and outspoken champion for children and at-risk families locally, provincially and nationally.

Volunteerism is vital to smaller Ukrainian communities. Linda teaches cross-stitch and hosts day-long perogy bees or beet-leaf holubtsi making events. She spearheaded Malanka celebrations in Weyburn and Rosthern and these events became major fundraising opportunities for the Weyburn Ukrainian Dance Club and the Rosthern Dolyna Dancers. Her volunteer time adds to the success of regional dance competitions. Linda has also billeted for the Weyburn Junior A hockey team.

Linda lives in Rosthern with husband Greg and daughter Cassie. Older daughter Susan and husband Austin Lamb reside in Saskatoon with Linda’s two grandchildren, Luca and Annalin.

Wasyl Rybalka is the recipient of the Community Recognition Award for Leadership and Cultural Preservation and Development. Wasyl was born in Hafford, Saskatchewan on February 24, 1960, to Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Jakiw and Dobr. Sylvia Rybalka. Wasyl and his three siblings, Orysia, Johann and Boris, grew up in a strong Ukrainian Orthodox household where the values of tradition, faith, love and service were instilled early in their lives.

Wasyl attended the University of Saskatchewan and received his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts Degrees. He majored in English, Ukrainian, and physical education. In 1980-81 he participated in the University of Saskatchewan/Chernivtsi University Ukrainian Student Exchange. While in Saskatoon, he was a member of Lastiwka Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Choir, and taught accredited Ukrainian language classes at St. Petro Mohyla Summer School Immersion Program. Wasyl taught throughout various schools in the Prince Albert Saskatchewan Rivers School Division #119 and retired from teaching after 31 years in 2013. He dedicated countless hours to coaching extracurricular activities, including football, volleyball, badminton, and basketball. In 2015 he received a Prince Albert and Area Teachers Association Honorary Membership for his outstanding service and contributions to local and/or provincial associations.

Wasyl has given countless leadership, participation and volunteer hours preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture. He taught Ukrainian dancing in both Meath Park and Prince Albert in the mid-1980s, was director of Green Grove Ukrainian Orthodox Church Camp, is past president of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Prince Albert, past president of the Ukrainian Orthodox Men’s Association Prince Albert branch, former provincial CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth of Canada) advisor, board member of St. Petro Mohyla Institute, Consistory board of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, member of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral  (Saskatoon), and Prince Albert “Malanka” committee. Wasyl is currently the choir director of the Veselka Choir of the Prince Albert Ukrainian Culture and Heritage Club as well as choir director and cantor for the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Prince Albert).

In retirement, Wasyl established a lawn and garden business for assisting the elderly. He enthusiastically accepts any and all opportunities to enhance his love of his faith, culture, family and community. While serving on the Ukrainian Summer Immersion, Cultural and Leadership Camp Committee Wasyl organized a two-week camp for teen students from Ukraine and Canada. He and wife Sally (Hrycuik) recorded a CD of a typical Ukrainian church service to enable shut-ins to celebrate the liturgy. They cherish time spent with daughters Christina, Lesia and Nadia. Wasyl also enjoys golfing, gardening, curling, and cheering for the Boston Bruins.

Iris Smisko has been selected to receive the Community Recognition Award for Volunteerism. Iris was born in Hubbard, Saskatchewan on March 21, 1958 to Mike and Mary Popik. Iris was the youngest of four children. Her parents owned and operated the local general store. Throughout her early years Iris’ parents instilled the importance of faith, family and community into their children. Although the community was small, there were many activities in which to participate. Her family was involved in any activity their church held, including singing in the church choir and, in summer, attending catechism at the local school.

Following graduation, Iris completed Dental Nursing at Wascana Institute in Regina. She worked in Tisdale, Regina and rural areas throughout the province. In 1983, while working in Tisdale, Iris met and eventually married Bob Smisko, and they began married life in Prince Albert. Iris and Bob have two daughters, Raynellle and Kaylee. While raising their girls, Iris continued her education and when her girls were only five and two, Iris and the two girls moved to Regina so that Iris could further her education and obtain her diploma in dental hygiene. They moved back to Prince Albert and Iris began work in a private dental office, where she remains at present. For seven years Iris was a part-time clinical instructor at the First Nations University of Canada – Dental Therapy program in Prince Albert.

Iris has been very involved with the Prince Albert Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Club. She has held many executive positions, including chairperson of their annual four-day dance festival. In 2005 Iris was a co-recipient of CKBI’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year, recognizing her for maintaining Ukrainian culture through dance. Iris has also served on the executive and is an active member of the Veselka Ukrainian Culture and Heritage Club. Iris is an active member of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and sings in the choir. She has held positions on parish council, including secretary and director. Iris has volunteered with numerous groups in Prince Albert and surrounding area including: 2009 Canadian Men’s mid-amateur golf championship, Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble Dance Showcase, Minto Hockey 2014 Western Midget AAA Regionals, the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life, Waskesiu Children’s Festival, the Prince Albert National Park Canada Day Celebrations, and Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Annual Induction Banquet.

Iris loves spending time with her family which now includes granddaughter Olive. She is proud of her nationality, culture and faith.

Victoria Stefanyshyn has been selected to receive the Community Recognition Award for Youth Achievement. Victoria was born January 23, 2000 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Richard and Nicole Stefanyshyn. She is the eldest daughter and third child of five siblings. Her parents currently own and operate two local businesses: The Floor Store and Ukreations.

Victoria’s education began at age three/four when she attended Sadochok. From there she attended École St. Anne School from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Her high school years were spent studying at St. Mary’s High School. Education is very important to Victoria; honour grades, participation, enthusiasm and dedication are part of her personality.

Victoria demonstrated her creativity and artistic ability at an early age. In Grade 6 she was awarded the Badge of Peace and Respect for her exemplary character. Her artwork was selected in Grade 12 at the High School Juried Art Show. She was also the winner of the Heart of Youth Powwow Logo Contest. This logo will be used as the symbol on T-shirts, signs, etc., for promotions for this group.

From an early age Victoria has taken an active part in her community. While maintaining a high achievement level at school, Victoria has spent volunteer hours at Pineview Terrace Lodge Nursing Home with the residents, improving their quality of life. St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish has also been blessed to have Victoria as a volunteer, where she has assisted with children’s programs and fall suppers, as well as Easter teas and bake sales.

Victoria’s love of Ukrainian dance explains her dedication of 14 years to the Prince Albert Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Club. Not only has she been an enthusiastic dancer, but Victoria has always been willing to help with the young and adult dancers. She has also been involved in costuming, instruction, and other areas requiring her skills and knowledge.

Victoria is able to apply her creative abilities at Ukreations, where she is currently employed. She designs and creates floral headpieces and jewelry for sale.

Victoria’s youthful enthusiasm and commitment to family, faith and culture are an inspiration to all.

Aubree Worobetz is the recipient of the Community Recognition Award for Youth Achievement. Born in Saskatoon to Donna-Marie and Dr. Lawrence Worobetz December 14, 1991, Aubree is the youngest of three girls. Service, tradition and community have always been important values in her close family.

During her high school years at Aden Bowman Collegiate, Aubree received numerous academic awards. Following graduation she attended the University of Saskatchewan where she received her Bachelor of Science – Biological Engineering and Degree option in Professional Communications. During her time at the U of S Aubree continued to excel in her studies, being named to the Dean’s Honour Roll. Throughout high school and university, Aubree maintained her high academic achievements while leading a very active lifestyle: participating in sports, music, drama, and leadership councils.

Aubree found her love of the Ukrainian community when she began Ukrainian dancing, eventually joining the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble. This love grew when she began singing with Lastiwka Ukrainian Orthodox Choir and Orchestra. Aubree joined the youth choir without knowing how to speak Ukrainian, but quickly blossomed into a confident member of the choir, often memorizing the songs in a very short time and even performing a beautiful solo with the group. These groups gave her the opportunity to embrace and cherish her rich Ukrainian cultural traditions.

In 2013, after graduating from the U of S, Aubree began her career working at St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation as the Major Gifts Officer. In this role she built relationships with individuals and organizations, learning about their philanthropic interests and how they can choose to give back to their community. She found her career in philanthropy extremely rewarding and was continually impressed by the philanthropic spirit of the community.

In 2018 Aubree retired from Pavlychenko and Lastiwka to attend medical school and pursue her goal of becoming a physician. Aubree was accepted into the University of Limerick Medical School in Limerick, Ireland, a small city on the west coast of Ireland, where she now makes her home.

Aubree is an inspiring, passionate, confident and caring individual who offers her time and talents for the betterment of her community. She is grateful to her parents for instilling her with a love of adventure, and who enrolled her in the various sports and cultural activities she enjoyed throughout the years.

In receiving the Community Recognitions Award for Youth Achievement, Aubree is following in her family’s footsteps. Aubree’s great uncle, Dr. Stephen Worobetz, was a recipient of a Nation Builders Award in 1995, and her grandfather, Peter Worobetz, received the Nation Builders Award in 2000.