Nation Builders Award recipient John Kuspira was born on November 20, 1928 on a farm near Phone Hill, Saskatchewan about 16 km west of Yorkton to Michael Kuspira and Ann Dobko. John, the eldest of 13 children, attended primary school in the hamlet of Phone Hill in a one-room school with about 70 to 75 students in grades 1 to 8 with one teacher.

John attended St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton, receiving science awards every year. In 1951 John obtained his BSc, and in 1952 his Masters in Science from the University of Saskatchewan, both with distinction. In 1955 he was awarded his PhD with distinction from the University of Alberta. His dissertation, “Genetic Analysis of Certain Characters in Wheat Using Whole Chromosome Substitution Lines” was one of the very first PhDs ever awarded by the U of A, and remains a classic in the fields of agriculture and genetics research.

John began teaching at the University of Alberta, eventually becoming Chair of the Department of Genetics and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. His research concentrated on the genetics and cytogenetics of bread wheat, with over 68 scientific publications. He is a founding member of the Genetics Society of Canada and, for over 20 years, associate editor of the “Canadian Journal of Genetics and Cytology” (now “Genome”).

Considered a Canadian pioneer in genetics, John developed a research prototype for genetically dissecting a plant species. In addition, he has not only made unparalleled contributions to teaching genetics through his papers, publications and textbooks, but has also taught over 10,000 students over 35 years. He applied the “constructivist approach” to teaching, with lectures that were Compelling, Hegemonic, Informative, Engaging and had Flair (CHIEF). His colleagues attributed the following attributes to his academic persona — Collegiality, Humility, Integrity, Erudition and Fealty (CHIEF). This acronym became his moniker of endearment by both students and colleagues. John was the first recipient of the Rutherford Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1988 and also received the 3M National Teaching Fellowship Award. In 2002 John was nominated by the U of A Faculty of Medicine for an honorary degree, and in 2005 was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding service to the people of Alberta.

John and his wife, Joanne, have six children, two boys and four girls, and twelve grandchildren. A member of St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Edmonton, John was instrumental in maintaining the landscaping for the entire block the church occupies. His gardening skills have also been applied to the 80-acre Devonian Botanical Garden at the U of A, with hundreds of deciduous and evergreen trees, 150 perennial species, and 2,500 annual species.

Nation Builder Edward (Ed) Ratushny was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan on May 18, 1942. His father, Dmytro, was a barber, and his mother, Tillie, was a seamstress. Music and sports were important in his youth. Ed developed his proficiency in music at an early age, playing saxophone with older brother Paul, and organized a group of musicians to play at weddings and various social events. Ed’s main sport was football, but he also played for the town’s senior baseball and hockey teams. The family attended St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church.

At the University of Saskatchewan, Ed embraced student life, playing sax in the university concert band. He also quarterbacked the lawyers’ football team and was captain of “The Intensely Vigorous College Nine,” the pep band that still plays at university football games. Ed received his B.A. in 1964 and LL.B in 1965 and began practising law in Saskatoon. In 1967 he began Postgraduate studies at the University of London (L.S.E.), receiving his Masters of Law (LL.M) in 1968.

Back in Canada, Ed became the executive assistant to a Federal Cabinet Minister in Ottawa. He began teaching at Windsor Law School in 1970 in the areas of Criminal, Constitutional and Sports and Entertainment Law. He received a Masters of Law (LL.M) from the University of Michigan in 1972, followed by a Doctorate of Law (S.J.D.) in 1979. For three years he was the first Special Advisor on Judicial Affairs to the Federal Minister of Justice.

Ed has made outstanding contributions to the rule of law and the cause of justice. He has authored books on self-incrimination and public inquiries as well as numerous scholarly articles and government reports. His work is cited frequently by the Supreme Court of Canada. For over 20 years Ed has been a Special Counsel to the Canadian Judicial Council regarding the conduct of superior court judges throughout Canada. He served as a member or as counsel to numerous government boards, commissions, task forces in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment, Competition, Immigration and Criminal Law.

In 1999 Ed received the Justice Award “as a mark of distinction and exceptional achievement” from the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice. He was admitted to the Order of Canada in 1991 and the Order of Ontario in 2009. He received the CCAT Medal in 2004, “For outstanding contribution to the Canadian Administrative Justice System.” In 2006 Ed received the Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Law Society of Upper Canada “in recognition of outstanding achievements that benefit the legal profession, the rule of law or the cause of justice.”

While pursuing his demanding legal and educational career, Ed and wife Lynn, a judge for the Supreme Court of Ontario, raised a son and daughter, who both earned law degrees from the University of Ottawa and both played on Canada’s Olympic Hockey teams. Ed was on the organizing committee for the construction of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ottawa – St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine. Despite his professional responsibilities, Ed has maintained a vibrant interest and involvement in his community.

Nation Builder Sandra Semchuk was born in 1948 in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan to parents Martin Semchuk and Josephine (Grewlowski). Their families settled in the Meath Park area of Saskatchewan in the early 1900s. Sandra’s parents ran a grocery store in Meadow Lake. In the late 1950s her father, with a First Nations crew led by Jonas Clark, built the first winter road to Uranium City. Her dad was the Member of Legislature for Meadow Lake during the development and implementation of Medicare. Her mother ran the grocery store largely on her own during those years. Sandra’s brother, the late David Semchuk, worked with BC Hydro and her sister, Carol Jones, was an executive with Esso. Sandra is a second generation Canadian. As a child, her Baba influenced her, giving her a sense of pride in her heritage and identity.

Sandra received both her Professional “A” Teachers Certificate and her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees from the University of Saskatchewan in 1970. In 1983 she obtained her Master’s degree in Photography from the University of New Mexico. Sandra’s photography exhibitions and written works encourage reflection and dialogue on themes such as love, memory, culture and identity.

One of Sandra’s first exhibits was photos of people in her hometown. Pictures were posted on Main Street where everyone in the community could stop, view and discuss them.

Sandra is co-founder of The Photographers Gallery in Saskatoon, and has exhibited her work globally in the Museum of Modern Art (New York), Museu d’Art Contemporani (Barcelona), and the National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa). She has taught at the University of Western Ontario in London and Emily Carr University in Vancouver. She has participated in solo and group exhibitions at galleries across Canada. Sandra’s work seems to be guided by her unwavering commitment to exploring ways that might lead us towards deeper recognitions across generations, cultures and differences.

Much of Sandra’s work was in collaboration with her late husband, James Nicholas, a Cree artist. Their work focused on the multiplicity of relationships to land, cultural identity, settler and indigenous relationships. Their collaboration to disrupt myths that have shaped settler relations to First Nations will be shown as a major exhibit at the Norman McKenzie Art Gallery in Regina in 2020.

Sandra was awarded the Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media Arts in 2017. This award attests to the respect of her peers and the significance of her artistic work on a national stage.

Sandra’s most recent book The Stories Were Not Told documents the history and legacy of Canada’s first internment operations of 1914-1920. The book focuses on Canadian and Ukrainian Canadian history, documenting the legislated discrimination that civilian internees endured and the intergenerational consequences of these internment camps on Ukrainian Canadians and other Europeans as enemy “aliens.” Sandra reminds us how much stronger we are for incorporating our inheritances into our current realities and futures. She reminds us of the full spectrum of who we are and who, together, we can become.

Cultural Preservation & Development

Community Recognition Award recipient for Cultural Preservation and Development Edward (Eddie) Diakow was born in Canora, Saskatchewan on May 27, 1938 to parents Micheal & Pauline. One of four children, Eddie grew up on the family farm in the Dobrowody district northeast of Rama, and attended the Olesha School. Eddie helped his parents with the day-to-day routine of the farming operation, learning many of the skills that were needed. Farm work afforded Eddie the opportunity to develop his woodworking and welding skills. His passion for music from an early age inspired him to become a self-taught luthier and woodworker.

In 1972, Eddie took over the operation of the farm from his parents who retired to Canora. He has a long history of community service as a handyman, carpenter, and furniture maker. Eddie is a member and has served on the executive of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (Dobrowody), is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has been caretaker of the church, its grounds and cemetery for many years. Eddie’s woodworking skill is sought out for many unique projects, small and large. These included building memorial urns, kitchen tables and cabinets. He has built a reliquary for St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Rama, a pair of nine-foot custom doors for his parish church, and everything from building kitchen cabinets and a shuffleboard scoreboard to installing new flooring for the Rama Golden Jets’ facility. He is also a sought after welder, especially for his ability to fuse materials together in near perfection.

Eddie has built outdoor clay ovens (pechi) and has repaired instruments for many musicians. As a young boy, his passion for music led him to buy his first violin from the Eaton’s catalogue for $14, using money he had saved from woodcutting. With a few do-it-yourself books as his guides, Eddie began his road to becoming a luthier. He sold his first violin for $250 and the demand for his meticulous craftsmanship grew with his reputation for quality and perfection. To date, he has built 24 violins and three tsymbaly and repaired stringed instruments for local, provincial and nationally-renowned musicians.

In 2009 Eddie was recognized by the Musée Ukraina Museum in Saskatoon for his creative artistic abilities and preservation of Ukrainian culture. He and his wife, Charlotte, still reside on the original family farm where they raised their four children, and are now blessed with five grandchildren.

Community Recognition Award recipient for Volunteerism Naomi (Nadia) Lee was born November 20, 1947, on the family farm near Weirdale, Saskatchewan to parents Bohdan and Maria Lysak. Her parents had moved to Canada from Western Ukraine in 1938, bringing with them their first child. Her parents cherished their Ukrainian customs and language and Naomi and her five siblings were raised to honour their culture, language and Ukrainian Orthodox faith.

Naomi attended Grades 1 to 9 in Weirdale and the remainder of high school in Meath Park. During this time she joined CYMK and volunteered many hours fundraising for a chandelier for the church. She attended and participated in many concerts and was often called upon to orate at Taras Shevchenko and Mother’s Day celebrations. Some of her fondest memories are of the times spent carolling house to house during the Christmas season. She attended the University of Regina and earned her Bachelor of Education degree in 1976.

Naomi’s first teaching job was in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, where she enjoyed helping not only her students but being involved in the community as well.

Naomi married Warren Lee in 1971 and they moved to Regina where they raised their three children. During this time she continued her involvement in community activities. These included the Ruth Pawson school parent council, Uplands Community Association, teaching the art of writing pysanky, canvassing for many nonprofit organizations (including The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis and Canadian Cancer Society) and being a community Block Parent when that program was active.

Her involvement in the Ukrainian community in Regina began almost 40 years ago when her daughters enrolled in Ukrainian dancing at the Ukrainian National Federation Hall and later with Regina Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Naomi spent many hours making perogies, cabbage rolls and serving at their monthly suppers and different events. She was on the board of her daughters’ dance school and spent countless hours sewing costumes, running fundraisers and working bingos. Naomi spent many years as treasurer on various boards including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Regina and the Ukrainian National Federation – Regina Branch. She and Warren worked for the Kyiv Ukrainian Pavilion during Mosaic, Regina’s multicultural festival and she continued after his passing in 2008 for a total of over 34 years. Naomi is currently chair of the Volunteer Committee.

In addition to volunteering in the Ukrainian community, Naomi dedicated over 17 years to the Regina Food Bank, where she worked the front desk. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and their families, especially her seven grandchildren.

Leadership

John Melnyk, recipient of the Community Recognition Award for Leadership, was born July 7, 1911 in Myrnam, Alberta to Wasyl and Anastasia Melnyk. He was the third oldest of nine children. John attended Uhryn school and was the first in the school to pass grade 8 Departmental Exams. He attended high school at Victoria School in Edmonton, residing at the Mykhailo Hrushevsky (later renamed St. John’s) Institute. John completed one year of Arts at the University of Alberta (U of A) and then enrolled in Normal School (Teachers’ College) and completed his training to become a teacher. John was an active participant in CYMK, the Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Association, and continued his support for many years.

His first assignment was a one room school in Derwent, Alberta. After seven years of teaching, John returned to the U of A and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1945-1946. He returned to Derwent and continued teaching until 1951. While teaching at Derwent John operated a general insurance agency and became a hail damage assessor for western Canada. In 1951 John was appointed Superintendent for a group of insurance companies and moved to headquarters in Regina, responsible for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He held this position until his retirement in 1976. John was elected President of the North American Hail Underwriters Association. Following his retirement John worked part-time until the early 1980s. He helped find and train his successor and also sought out education professionals whom he trained to become hail damage investigators during the summer months.

While living in Regina, John was an active member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Descent of the Holy Spirit parish. He worked with the choir, and was a founding member and first President of the Regina branch of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (TYC). His community pursuits also included supporting the Ukrainian Voice newspaper and St. John’s Institute in Edmonton. John served on the board of St. Petro Mohyla Institute in Saskatoon for over 25 years and travelled extensively on his own time to raise funds to build a new facility in 1965. He was also a committee member of the Ukrainian Language Committee, providing support and leadership for a flourishing Ukrainian language program in Regina.

John married Mary Gerkul in 1944 and they were blessed with two children, Dennis and Shauna, who both graduated from university with degrees in their chosen professions. John and Mary moved to Edmonton in retirement to be near their son who was a principal in the Edmonton school system. John passed away on October 5, 2003. His legacies remain to this day.

Community Recognition Award recipient for Cultural Preservation & Development Alexander Obarianyk was born January 20, 1923 on the family farm near Secretan, Saskatchewan to parents Eva and Michael Obarianyk who arrived in Canada in 1913. Alex, one of twelve children, completed his elementary education at Jefferson School near Secretan. After completing Grade 9, Alex worked on the family farm for six years. He then worked at various jobs throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario while supporting the family farm.

Alex married Ann Dusyk in May 1954. Even after his marriage, Alex worked on the farm with his brothers, Myroslav, John, and Father Basil, and brother-in-law Ed Forsberg. Whenever any construction was required, such as building granaries, quonsets, or a barn, Alex was there to offer his expertise and labour. Alex and Ann moved to Regina where Alex’s building experience led to him starting his own plastering business.

For ten years Alex contracted projects throughout Regina, including work on the construction of St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. After moving on from plastering, Alex spent time with CW Pool & Associates and Torchinsky Consulting Engineers. His work with these companies eventually led him to spend 18 years as chief estimator for BA Construction.

Education was very important to Alex. He completed his high school education through night classes. He continued on to post-secondary study at the University of Regina for two years, working by day and taking classes at night. Attending classes while supporting a growing family proved challenging, but Alex’s determination left a legacy of valuing education for his children and grandchildren.

Alex’s pride in his Ukrainian heritage was evident in his involvement with Ukrainian Canadian organizations. He was an active member of St. Basil’s and the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood (UCBC), the Knights of Columbus – Bishop Budka Council, St. Basil’s Senior Citizens, and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Regina Branch. He served as President of Regina UCBC from 1972 to 1986, and was an executive member for many years after at both eparchial and national levels. His dedication was recognized in 1995 when he was inducted into the Order of St. Volodymyr.

Alex and Ann have three children, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. When Alex’s son, Darius, opened a greenhouse Alex spent much of his retirement helping with construction and the day-to-day activities involved in the business.

Alex passed away September 7, 2004 in Regina. He always led by example, accepted others and felt an obligation to stand up for those oppressed from freedom of speech or religion. In life, he chose to not be in the spotlight, but to work to achieve worthy goals.

Community Recognition Award recipient for Volunteerism Miroslaw (Mert) Ochitwa was born February 26, 1928 in Norquay, Saskatchewan. His parents, Anne (Kyba) and Harry Ochitwa, immigrated from Ukraine to farm near Norquay. He and his three sisters grew up in a Ukrainian-speaking home with strong ties to the church and pride in their Ukrainian culture and heritage. Growing up on a farm in the 1930s, Miroslaw developed a strong work ethic and learned the importance of helping others.

Miroslaw attended Norquay Junior Elementary and Westerland Schools. He completed Grade 11 at Norquay High School before moving to Saskatoon in 1947. Miroslaw attended the School of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. He resided at Mohyla Institute and was active in Kameniari, worked the canteen, joined singing and dance classes, carolled and attended Ukrainian evening classes. Miroslaw made many lasting friendships at Mohyla and takes special interest in the institution to this day. In 1949 he received his diploma in Vocational Agriculture.

Miroslaw returned to the family farm, where he worked for several years. He also served local farmers cleaning grain and delivering fuel.

In 1953 Miroslaw moved to Flin Flon, Manitoba to work for his uncle’s bottling plant. In 1962, he bought Canora Beverages. He joined the Chamber of Commerce and became a member of the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (TYC). Miroslaw contributed to the interests, needs and pursuits of the community. From 1962 to 1969 he was president of the Kiwanis Club, fundraising and holding bingos, apple drives, pancake breakfasts and supplying orange crush to the boy scouts for their projects.

A church board member from 1962 to 1998, Mert held various positions, including president. He was president of TYC in the 1970s and became a member of the Order of St. Andrew in 1981. His faith and devotion to church and community was recognized with the Centenary Award of St. Andrew.

Miroslaw has supported Trident Ukrainian Orthodox Church Camp at Crystal Lake for over 60 years. In 1961, he began as a volunteer labourer to help move the camp to its current location, became camp director and board secretary in the 1980s, and was treasurer from 1990 to 2019. He was Chair of the Fundraising and Building Committee in 1991. Retiring in 2003, Miroslaw devoted himself to financial and structural maintenance of the camp. He is the key holder and a constant advocate, ensuring the camp is operational, clean and welcoming to the hundreds of children who have attended over the years.

In 1971 Miroslaw purchased Pickerel Point Concessions at Madge Lake located in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. He refurbished and expanded the business to better serve campers and visitors, earning a 25-year recognition award from the Government of Saskatchewan in 1996.

Miroslaw and his wife Beatrice (Tysowski) have three children and one grandchild. They still reside in Canora.

Community Recognition Award recipient for Leadership Janis (Jan) Olesko was born in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan July 6, 1949. Her parents, Michael and Anastasia Chorney, farmed 7 miles from Nora, Saskatchewan. Along with her five siblings, Jan grew up immersed in Ukrainian culture, customs and language, and the Ukrainian Catholic Church was a major influence in developing her faith. Jan’s parents were active in their church and community, which, along with family, played a vital role in her early development.

Following her elementary and high school years, Jan was the first female in her family to attend university. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and her Bachelor of Education degree with special education qualifications from the University of Saskatchewan and went on to a teaching career. For the next 27 years Jan balanced family, farm and teaching full time Special Education classes to enable her students to reach their full potential.

While teaching, raising her family and working on the family farm, Jan was instrumental in establishing Sadochok in Prince Albert, serving as President from 1982 to 1992. She also organized Ukrainian Summer Day Camps, and in 1991-1993 she was President of Prince Albert’s Ukrainian Centennial Celebrations. Jan is an active member of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, as well as the UCWLC. She was a founding executive member of Prince Albert Catholic Family Services (1992), founder of the Prince Albert “Discoveries Children’s Festival” (1997), serving as President until 2000. Jan was also a member of Citizens’ Dialogue on Health Care for the Roy Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada (2001). From 2015 to 2017 Jan served as President of the Prince Albert & District Ukrainian Cultural & Heritage Association – Veselka.

Jan has received numerous awards and recognitions. She has been named Prince Albert Tourism Volunteer of Distinction and Individual of the Year, one of the PA Herald’s ‘Ninety Notable Citizens,’ and received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2017.

Jan’s commitment to community, volunteerism, education and children continues with her most recent initiative. She is currently Board Chair, working to organize and develop the Prince Albert Science Centre in the 44,000 square foot former Sears store. She hopes to see the centre open in late 2020. A wonderful ambassador for Prince Albert and the Ukrainian community, Jan and her husband, Joe, also enjoy spending time with their three sons and their families as well as their three grandchildren.

Aileen Pillipow, Community Recognition Award recipient for Leadership, was born on June 29, 1940 to Pete and Mary (Shewchuk) Procyshyn and lived on the family farm near Gorlitz, Saskatchewan. The second of three children, Aileen attended Ukraina one room school for nine years. She completed Grades 10 and 11 in Canora, Saskatchewan and her Grade 12 at Balfour Tech in Regina. Aileen completed Teachers’ College in Moose Jaw, took university classes in Regina and Saskatoon and began her teaching career. She specialized teaching Special Education, Ukrainian language, and primary education.

Aileen joined CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Association) in Canora and continued as a member when she moved to Regina. She held positions as secretary and later as Senior CYMK advisor. Aileen joined the Ukrainian Women’s Association, Daughters of Ukraine Branch in Regina and held numerous positions: vice-president, secretary, auditor, archivist, representative to the Council of Women, UCC representative to the Regina Multicultural Council, contributing to many of its projects. Aileen was secretary of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada Board for two years, Director of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada for two years, and was secretary, 2nd vice-president and director of the Regina UCC. She is presently co-president of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC) – Daughters of Ukraine Branch in Regina, having held numerous positions on the local, provincial and national executives and has accepted the responsibility of coordinating the 75th anniversary celebration of the UWAC.

An active member of Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Sobor), Aileen has sung in the church choir, taught Sunday and Ukrainian schools, and has served on the church board. She is currently on the board of the Regina Ukrainian Orthodox Housing Corporation (Selo Gardens). She was Chair of the UCC’s celebration of the fifth anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Kyiv Pavilion co-chair of the boutique, assistant in planning the Immigration Sculpture at Regina City Hall and co-ordinated Multicultural displays at the Cornwall Centre.

Aileen retired from teaching in 1992. She enjoys numerous hobbies, including Ukrainian ceramics, Ukrainian dough art, embroidery, sewing, and writing pysanky. She has taught and demonstrated pysanky writing often over the years. In her spare time, she is a member of the steering committee of the Prostate Cancer Network support group for the Regina Cancer Society.

Aileen and her husband, Steve, have four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Community Recognition Awards recipient for Youth Achievement Ivanna Knoll was born May 10, 1990 in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Oksanna (Gawdyda) and Terry Zwarych. She and her brother, Marco, grew up in Regina. After completing her secondary education at Miller Comprehensive High School, Ivanna furthered her education at the University of Regina, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Business diploma.

Ivanna’s passion for Ukrainian dance began at the age of five with her enrollment in Tavria School of Ukrainian Dance. Ivanna has danced for over 20 years, 10 of which were with the Tavria Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble. Her performance with Tavria enabled her to participate in her cultural heritage and to travel extensively, twice touring in Ukraine, as well as in Brazil and much of western Canada. Part of her time with the Tavria Ensemble was spent as Ensemble Manager, playing a vital role in organizing fundraisers, performances, and collaborative efforts such as “Razom 2,” a joint performance of Tavria, Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble (Saskatoon), Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Calgary), and Rusalka Dance Ensemble (Winnipeg). Ivanna also served on Tavria’s Board of Directors, sitting on the Malanka and Festival committees for many years. For the past 11 years, she has continued to share her passion for Ukrainian culture and dance as an instructor with Tavria School of Ukrainian Dance.

In 2016, Ivanna served as Media Coordinator for the XXV Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians which was held in Regina. Hosting more than 300 Ukrainian Canadian community leaders from across Canada was a monumental event for UCC Saskatchewan and for Regina’s UCC branch. Ivanna worked tirelessly to assure that her area of responsibility ran successfully.

For the past four years, Ivanna has been deeply involved with the Regina Mosaic Festival of Cultures, having been the Kyiv Ukrainian Pavilion’s Youth Ambassador for two years and then Regina Multicultural Council’s Mosaic Committee Youth Ambassador Mentor. Along with her mother Oksanna, Ivanna has been the Regina Multicultural Council’s Mosaic Festival Co-Chair for the past two years.

Ivanna currently works with TD Wealth Private Investment. She and her husband, Christopher, have a daughter, Thea.

Paul Kodak, Community Award Recognition recipient for Youth Achievement, was born in Saskatoon on May 8, 1989 to Sonia (Kaminsky) and Ihor Kodak. He is one of four children who was raised in a vibrant Ukrainian Orthodox family, participating in church, community and family cultural activities from his earliest days. His parents’ backgrounds inspired him to enthusiastically embrace his faith and culture. Ihor, a gifted musician performed in the popular Ukrainian band “Mria” for many years, and Sonia, a talented singer and dancer performed and became an instructor, inspiring countless students to pursue Ukrainian dance.

Paul attended the Ukrainian Bilingual program at St. Maria Goretti and Holy Family Elementary Schools, received his grade 12 with honours from Bishop Mahoney High School in 2007, and graduated from St. Petro Mohyla Institute with honours in the study of Heritage Language. Paul started Ukrainian dance at the age of four, dancing with Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance and Vesnianka Academy of Ukrainian Dance from 1994 to 2007. He attended summer dance camps and workshops, competed in countless festivals, and won many awards and scholarships. From 2007 to 2014 Paul danced with Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, performing in North America and touring in Ukraine in 2009. In 2010 he began instructing in Boyan Ukrainian Dance Academy. He helped direct “Boyan on Tour,” an extension of Boyan’s senior dancers, with the performances “Fantazia” (2013) and “Podorozh” (2015) that included tours to eastern USA and to Costa Rica, and a welcome-home show, “Korinnya” (2018), after a tour to central and western Ukraine. He performed with the Lastiwka Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Choir & Orchestra, attended Green Grove Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Camp, transitioning from participant to counsellor and then camp director in 2008. He has held positions on the National CYMK (Ukrainian Orthodox Youth Association) executive, been Youth Ambassador for the Ukrainian Karpaty Pavillion at Folkfest, and since 2005 has sung and played in the Ukrainian dance band Half Na Piv. Paul has performed for many audiences at weddings, anniversaries, fundraisers, and Ukrainian functions, and looks forward to sharing his many talents throughout his life.

Paul enjoys spending time with friends and family, and being a part of his community. He volunteers in the Ukrainian dance community, and numerous Ukrainian social and cultural events. Paul is incredibly determined and is a motivation to young and old. He has overcome life-changing health issues with perseverance and great strength of character and continues to participate in and encourage young people to embrace and celebrate our Ukrainian culture and heritage.