Celebrating Achievement at the 2018 Nation Builders & Community Recognition Awards Luncheon

New Nation Builders Award Unveiled

Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Saskatchewan

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan held its 24th annual Nation Builders & Community Recognition Awards luncheon and awards presentation at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert on November 4, 2018. Over 200 friends, family and guests gathered to recognize the outstanding achievements and meritorious contributions of some of this province’s notable citizens.

Three individuals were recognized as Nation Builders this year: Marlene Bodnar (Saskatoon), Dr. George Fedak (Hudson Bay-Ottawa, ON), and Hon. Vaughn Solomon Schofield (Regina-Regina Beach). The Nation Builders Award is bestowed to persons who have made meritorious contributions, which have had a significant impact; left a legacy; and/or provided an exemplary role model to the Ukrainian community and/or Saskatchewan-Canada.

Community Recognitions Awards were presented to seven individuals: Nellie Bachek (Arran-Prince Albert) and Wasyl Rybalka (Hafford-Prince Albert) for Leadership and Cultural Preservation & Development; John Chrusch (Vonda-Saskatoon) and Linda Rudachyk (Norquay-Rosthern) for Leadership and Volunteerism; Iris Smisko (Hubbard-Prince Albert) for Volunteerism; and, Victoria Stefanyshyn (Prince Albert) and Aubree Worobetz (Saskatoon) for Youth Achievement. Community Recognition Awards are presented to persons who have made meritorious contributions in one or more of the areas of youth achievement; leadership; volunteerism; cultural preservation & development, and/or creativity & innovation to the Ukrainian community and/or Saskatchewan-Canada.

Following welcoming remarks by UCC Saskatchewan President Mary Ann Trischuk, the following dignitaries brought greetings: His Honour the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan; Honourable Joe Hargrave, Government of Saskatchewan; Mayor Greg Dionne, City of Prince Albert; and, Sheryl Kimbley, SaskCulture. Prayers were offered by Most Reverend Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, and Reverend Father Patrick Powalinsky, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Member of Parliament for Prince Albert Randy Hoback was acknowledged.

During UCC Saskatchewan’s official recognitions program, which was hosted in Prince Albert for the second time, UCC Saskatchewan Executive Director, with the help of President Mary Ann Trischuk and Recognitions Committee member Martin Hryniuk, unveiled the new Nation Builders Award. Created by Winnipeg artist David Wasylyshen, originally from Gorlitz, Saskatchewan, this unique work of art features actual pieces of real pysanka eggs on a one-of-a-kind coloured baroque stained glass in the shape of the province of Saskatchewan. Rich with symbolism, the award captures elements such as Halychanka/Canadian Red Fife wheat, historic Ukrainian churches built by Ukrainian immigrants settling in Saskatchewan, and the province’s motto, “Land of Living Skies.”

The Nation Builders & Community Recognition Awards Luncheon and Presentation was held this year with thanks to our Diamond Sponsors: Veselka Prince Albert & District Ukrainian Cultural & Heritage Association; Kalinowski Trucking Ltd.; Peter V. Abrametz, B.A., LL.B. (Abrametz & Eggum); MNP, Prince Albert; Market Tire; Prestigious Event Planning & Rentals Inc.; and, the Stephen & Michelene Worobetz Foundation. UCC Saskatchewan also acknowledges the important financial support it receives from SaskCulture and SaskLotteries, as well as from generous donors in the community.

The Board of UCC Saskatchewan is deeply grateful for the hard work of the volunteer members of the Recognitions Committee: Lissa Gruza (Chair), Sonia Bremner, Martin Hryniuk, Shawna Kozun, Steve Pillipow, and Fr. Patrick Powalinsky. The Board is equally appreciative of Prince Albert host community organizers Sonya Jahn, Marjorie Bodnarchuk and Charlene Tebbutt for important coordination contributions towards this year’s event.

A special thank-you goes to: emcee Harrold Salahub; citation readers Iryna Matsiuk, Matthew Zelensky and Christine Devrome (Nation Builder 2000); Hospodar and Hospodynia John & Marjorie Bodnarchuk; awards luncheon volunteers Natalia Antoniuk, Nadya Balytska, Valerii Bidulka, Cheryl Hislop, Olga Thoms and Lucy Wells; ushers Maya Duffield, Alexi Kawula, Brittany Lysitza, and Stephaan Salahub; bandurist Kathleen Clarke; and, photographer Mark Zulkoskey.

From its inception in 1995, the Nation Builders & Community Recognition Awards project has honoured 254 individuals (162 NBA, 92 CRA) plus two Newsmaker of the Year Awards.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan is a provincial organization that provides programs and services for the Saskatchewan community to maintain, develop and share its Ukrainian Canadian identity and aspirations.

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