Several local area people were among the 2011 of the Nation Builders & Community Recognition Awards presented by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Saskatchewan Provincial Council.
1In 1991, Ukrainian Canadians marked 100 years of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. At that time, the National Ukrainian Canadian Congress recognized 100 Ukrainian Canadians who made an outstanding contribution to the development of Canada. The Saskatchewan Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress resolved to similarly honour Ukrainians in this province. In 1995, the Nation Builders Awards, initially titled Community Appreciation Awards, were established. This year's presentations were made at St. Mary's Cultural Centre in Yorkton, with 10 people recognized.
The awards were presented in different categories including four receiving the Nation Builders Award.
Nation Builders Awards are presented 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.
David Mysak, received a posthumous award. He was born in Canora, and died in Saskatoon in 2011.
Mysak, "was a leader, mentor, visionary and community builder as was exemplified in his leadership roles within his church parish, Vesna Festival, Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association, Persephone Theatre, Tryzub Society, Ilarion Residence and Federated Co-op," detailed the award.
"David's passion for cultural retention and promotion inspired him to take on important roles in the community, leaving a lasting legacy in each of them. As board chair of the Vesna Festival, he invited and hosted both Premier Devine and then Prime Minister Mulroney. Under David's leadership, Yevshan became one of the first Canadian dance troupes to perform in a newly independent Ukraine. In 1998, David led a group of individuals who were interested in re-establishing the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Saskatoon.
"David's tireless dedication to society extended beyond the Ukrainian community. He was one of the key drivers of the 'capital campaign' for the Persephone Theatre raising millions in the process. David's contributions were recognized by a recent dedication of the run of the play "Rabbit Hole" to his memory.
"David's contributions to the Federated Co-op and Western Canada as the director of Human Resources are described by his former employer of 40 years in this fashion; "He was responsible for the development, maintenance and delivery of numerous adult learning courses and opportunities. This contributed greatly to the 19,000 employees and 3,000 elected officials developing their own skills and leadership qualities. The benefits, in turn, were not only applied to the workplace, but were also applied in the 500-plus communities of Western Canada."
The remaining six recipients were presented Community Recognition Awards.
Community Recognition Awards are presented to persons who have made meritious contributions in one or more of the areas of;
youth achievement;
leadership;
volunteerism;
cultural preservation and development; and/or
creativity and innovation to the Ukrainian community and/or Saskatchewan-Canada.
Anne Abrametz of Yorkton was among the recipients.
"Anne, daughter of Michael and Marie Beck, was born in Wroxton, Saskatchewan, the eldest of fourteen children. Being involved in the Ukrainian community was a way of life for Anne as she served on countless committees," detailed the awards book. " In 1994, Anne was one of the founding members of St. Mary's Parish Council."
"Anne played an important role in developing the 'Cultural' component of St. Mary's Cultural Centre in Yorkton, which included collecting artifacts, costumes and establishing permanent display cases for these articles. She was a creative, gifted individual with a passion for the preservation of our Ukrainian heritage. The diversity of her talents is demonstrated in watercolour and oil paintings, pen and ink sketches, crushed glass design, dried flower arranging and dough art. She spent many hours giving of her time as she demonstrated many of these mediums at school and community events.
"Anne has had the opportunity to have her artwork displayed at Yorkton's Godfrey Dean Art Gallery. She helped with the construction of a Ukrainian thatched roof home and piche (clay oven), which was used in various parades. A replica of a Ukrainian log house, which she helped build, is on display at Oseredok Museum in Winnipeg. Her talents and energy were many and in 1975 she was awarded a Woman of the Year award. In 2000, the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum presented her with a certificate for her many contributions.
"Anne Abrametz and husband Stephen have donated to St. Joseph's College, Sacred Heart Academy, St. Vladimir's in Roblin, and the Musee Ukrainian Museum in Saskatoon and have been supporters of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church for over 70 years."
In thanking the UCC Abrametz's son Peter Abrametz said his mother always hoped "her work would serve as an inspiration to others who follow behind her."
Taras Korol was born in Donwell, took some of his schooling in Yorkton, and was recognized for a body of work which included many hours of volunteering at Canora.
"Taras has an impressive history of community leadership. He has served as president of the Canora Branch of the Self-Reliance Association and was recognized with that organization's Award of Excellence in 2000. He is a member of the Order of St. Andrew, is a supporter of the Ukrainian Voice newspaper and St. Andrew's College. He is president of the Canora Welcome Statue Committee. He is past president of the Canora UCC. He has served on many project committees such as Canora Colors, Lions Club events, Whitesand TransCanada Trail, and town anniversaries. Taras was a graduate director of the Canora Credit Union," stated the award book.
"Taras has been a counsellor, director and board member of Trident Camp at Crystal Lake. He was editor of the history of the first 50 years of the camp and continues to document it.
"Taras has visited Ukraine seven times and has assisted immigrant visitors to our province. Taras, a hobby farmer, hosted two Ukrainian farmers for a month under the UCC-SPC Private Farmers Exchange. He has been with the Canora Ag Society for 33 years. He managed/operated a seed cleaning plant and sat on its board locally and provincially."
Robert Wuschenny, was born in the Ituna district.
"Robert taught school for 36 years - grades 5 to adult level. Fourteen of these years he was an in-school administrator and ten years a counsellor. He was coach and supervisor of various extracurricular school activities. He was a cooperating teacher for interns/student teachers (15 years); College supervisor of interns at the University of Saskatchewan (four years) and held many other leadership roles within the educational system. Once superannuated, he became actively involved in the local Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan chapter in Yorkton and has held several executive positions as well as vice-president at the provincial level," detailed the awards book.
"As a respected member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, he has been Eucharistic Minister since 1985; served in all positions on the parish councils in Yorkton (including president) and in Regina (vice-president); he has been a Partner in Mission for many years and has served as Secretariat for the past four years; he is a spiritual caregiver at the Regina General Hospital.
"He is a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, was a member of the Ukrainian Council in Yorkton, and has held executive positions on various committees."
Wuschenny said he never did the things he did to win awards.
"I am greatly humbled and indeed honoured to receive this award," he said. "I have simply done what I deemed to be for the good of others."
Wuschenny said he was once told "'if you can do something for others, why wouldn't you?"
"That has been my life guide," he added.
