UCC's Saskatchewan Provincial Council holds annual general meeting, elections (06/27/04)

UCC's Saskatchewan Provincial Council holds annual general meeting, elections

SASKATOON - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Saskatchewan Provincial Council (UCC-SPC) held its annual general meeting and board elections on Saturday, May 8, at Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in Saskatoon. In attendance were delegates and guests from across Saskatchewan, including the communities of Canora, North Battleford, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Weyburn, Yorkton, Alvena, Blaine Lake, Hafford and Prud'homme.

The proceedings were chaired by President Eugene Krenosky, who is starting his third term at the helm of the council.

In his report to delegates, Mr. Krenosky said that the UCC-SPC has achieved much since its inauguration in 1972, and that its strength lies in the ability of constituent members to adapt.

"UCC-SPC positioned itself to become a leader in ethno-cultural organizations and has continued to demonstrate this strength and capability," said Mr. Krenosky. "Organizations change, new generations' expectations change - and so has UCC-SPC changed. The change has been to continue to not only be responsive to current needs and expectations, but also to be proactive to the expectations for tomorrow."

Treasurer Ed Lysyk presented the audited financial report for fiscal year 2003. Mr. Lysyk indicated that the financial status of UCC-SPC was modest, as to be expected for non-profit organizations. Even so, innovative programming, alternate granting sources and effective partnering strategies have contributed to projected fiscal stability for the next few years.

UCC-SPC Executive Director Danylo Puderak focused on the Ukrainian community's cultural impact on Saskatchewan.

"Thousands partake in the food, experience the dancing or tap their toes to the addictive beats of the music," he said. The Ukrainian community even impacts individuals. Mr. Puderak cited the example of a young dancer, who, with no Ukrainian background, is now in Ukraine with the renowned Virsky Dance Ensem-ble."Saskatchewan's Ukrainian community is exporting world-class dancers," he said.

Economically, numerous community activities benefit Saskatchewan. Visitors from across Canada and farther afield are regularly attracted to festivals and cultural summer camps, providing dollars to local communities.

In a multimedia presentation, Mr. Puderak explained how the goals of the community - defined through strategic planning sessions and community consultations - were reflected through the activities and programming of the UCC-SPC.

Delegates to the annual general meeting welcomed UCC National Executive Director Ostap Skrypnyk, who reported on upcoming UCC National initiatives, including the Triennial UCC Congress to be held October 1-3 in Winnipeg, as well as the National UCC's work to assist with providing independent election observers to monitor this autumn's pivotal presidential elections in Ukraine.

Following the meeting, presentations were made by Boris Kishchuk (Canada-Ukraine Center Inc.), and YAN Project coordinators Victoria Morris and Lee Reaney provided an overview and update on the Youth Action Now initiative.

The members of the UCC-SPC executive for the 2004-2007 term are: Mr. Krenosky (Regina), president; Mr. Lysyk (Regina), vice-president; Craig Zaychkowsky (Saskatoon), treasurer; Merle Maximiuk (Yorkton), secretary; Adrian Boyko (Saskatoon), past president; Larry Balion (Saskatoon), Angie Huculak (Regina) and Evelyn Wojcichowsky (Saskatoon), directors at large.

Completing the 15-member board are the presidents of UCC-SPC's seven branches: Jennie Penzie (Battlefords Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Council), Paul Ortynsky (UCC-Canora), Elmer Malec (Prince Albert and District Veselka Ukrainian Heritage Club), Orest Warnyca (UCC-Regina), Paul Bunka (UCC-Saskatoon), Stan Ganczar (Weyburn Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Council) and Harry Kardynal (UCC-Yorkton).

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