Historical Train of Ukrainian Pioneers ;Celebrating 120 years of Ukrainian Settlement In Canada

Bitaemo,

The Treasure Train commemorating the 120th Anniversary of the beginning of emigration from Ukraine to Canada was held at St. Volodomyr Ukrainian Park 13 km down the Pike Lake Hwy.near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Enclosed enjoy photos and and a write up of the experience sent to me by my friend David and edited by me. 

 The program began with the peal of the Church Bells from this bell tower,calling the people to gather into St.Volodomyr Ukrainian Catholic Church.

 The church was not only attractive from the exterior, but the interior is quite ornate.Breaking from tradition with the usual pews, the congregation stands around the perimeter.

The service was conducted in Ukrainian by a Bishop and one priest; however the service handouts were printed in both English and Ukrainian so everyone could follow. Thanks was given for the opportunity for Ukrainian immigrants to come to Canada to make this their new home and the opportunity for education and freedom to engage in a variety of employment and professions.

 Following the service, a barbecue was held in the park, with smokies on a bun,along with a variety of salads, veggies, and desserts.

                        Buns were from the bakery instead of being homemade and baked in this clay oven.

Marion Mutala and her friend, were visiting with some of the youth who are members

of Ukrainian Youth Organizations travelling on the train. The two girls are from Toronto and Hamilton; the two fellows are from Edmonton.

Marion Mutala presented photos of her grandparents Stefan Dubyk and Tessie Woznakowski who emigrated from the Sokal region in Ukraine in 1912.Her grandparents were married in Saskatoon,Saskatchewan and eventually homesteaded near Hafford, Saskatchewan. A copy of Marion’s best selling, award winning (Anna Pidruchney) book "Baba's Babushka: A Magical Ukrainian Christmas” was presented to the Ukrainian ambassador, Ihor Ostash & his wife.

A larger treasure trunk called,” Baba’s trunk” is being carried on the train, with this smaller trunk used for collecting momentos from the early settlers and will eventually be placed in an Ukrainian museum.

                  Winding things up with a sing-along, with Larry Klalpoushok on the accordion,the ambassador Ihor Ostash on guitar, and the young fellow playing the bandura,Yaroslav Dzhus,who won the "Ukraine's Got Talent " contest.

From July 7th,2011.