Memories of the Ukrainian Women’s Assoc.

By Joan Janzen

During the past year or two our communities have welcomed many Ukrainian families into our midst. But did you know that Ukrainian traditions, culture and language have been preserved in this region for many decades? The evidence can be found in “A Past To Cherish”, a book detailing the history of the communities of Eatonia, Laporte and the RM of Newcombe.

Ukrainian Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist located in the R.M. off Newcombe. Government of Saskatchewan, Marvin Thomas, 2008.

As a result of several Ukrainian families coming to the area from Manitoba, an organization for Ukrainian women began. On July 18, 1935, a meeting was held at the home of Max Kanasevich, at which time Doris Yanda (nee Kanasevich), came to speak in the community. She was active in an organization in Saskatoon, and inspired the formation of a social group for women, to help preserve their language, culture and traditions.

The organization was named Lesia Ukrainka, in honour of a famous Ukrainian poetess and writer, and was a branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada. The group helped out with church work and activities in the community. Those activities included concerts, dances, dramas, suppers, classes and church services, all held at the Ukrainian Community Hall.

Later several women from Glidden and Kindersley became members, and the organization was moved to Kindersley, where most of its members and the church were located.