Saskatchewan UCC holds eighth Nation Builders Awards luncheon (01/05/03)

Saskatchewan UCC holds eighth Nation Builders Awards luncheon

SASKATOON - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Saskatchewan Provincial Council held its 2002 Nation Builders Awards luncheon here in the Regency Ballroom at Hotel Saskatchewan, Radisson Plaza, on Sunday, November 3.

Established as an official recognition event of the UCC-SPC, the Nation Builders Awards luncheons honor community activists for their contribution to Canadian society and to the Ukrainian community. The UCC-SPC has been sponsoring this annual event since 1995.

This year the Ukrainian Canadian community of Saskatchewan formally acknowledged the outstanding contributions of 11 of its members, three of whom were honored posthumously. The honorees represent a wide range of personal involvements and achievements. They included the following persons:

The late Basil Baleshta spent a lifetime conducting Ukrainian choirs in Saskatchewan and concerts in major centres of Canada and the United States.
The late Michael Baran spent his life promoting Ukrainian culture by serving on various organizations including the UCC.
Stan Chepyha, a teacher for nearly four decades, has worked with choral groups for 40 years in and outside of the school system. He is a recipient of the Papal Medal.
Mary Cherneskey was a professional educator, community leader, writer and administrator. She promoted multiculturalism in numerous ways, including formulating policies on multiculturalism.
Taras Gabora is a world-renowned violinist and teacher who helped establish numerous musical groups and has adjudicated many international competitions.
Marie Kishchuk has worked in heritage management and consulting, including as director and curator of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, among many other boards.
Myron Kowalsky taught school prior to being elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature and recently as the House speaker. He supports many Ukrainian organizations and causes.
Dr. Michael Krochak, recently named Canada's family physician of the year, is an active supporter of his profession and his cultural heritage.
Katherine Labiuk is a longtime teacher and worker in various Ukrainian organizations, as well as museum of the plus custodian of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada.
Jayne Paluck, a longtime teacher, taught Ukrainian, co-produced theatrical productions, was very active in the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada and was president of Musée Ukraina.
The late John Zenchyshyn supported the Ukrainian community through many organizations, public speaking, collecting archival material and the publication of a history book.

The attendance at this year's Nation Builders Awards luncheon was one of the best ever. In addition, donations from Ukrainian community organizations, businesses and individuals in support of the project were at a record high. The UCC-SPC board, the awards selection committee and the Regina luncheon subcommittee expressed their sincerest gratitude to all who helped make the event the success it was - in particular to the honorees, their representatives and luncheon attendees.

The UCC-SPC is dedicated to promoting the development of the Ukrainian community in Saskatchewan and represents more than 125,000 individuals of Ukrainian background in Saskatchewan.

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