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The Canadian Slovenian Historical Society: Who, What, Where, Why? In 1855 Friderik Baraga's work as Bishop began in Canada. In 2005, our Slovenian community will celebrate 150 years of Slovenian life, culture and memories in this country. This is a momentous occasion indeed for a relatively small group of very hard working citizens who have been able to embrace their new country without forgetting their roots. In order to pay homage to our emigrating ancestors, a group of members of the community formed the CANADIAN SLOVENIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (CSHS). The idea for the society first came from Mr. Stane Kranjc who, over the years, has worked tirelessly on behalf of all Canadian Slovenians. His enthusiasm and dedication attracted a number of people who have joined together to work on projects that will ensure that our history will count in the history of Canada. The founding members (and members of the CSHS committee) are: Frank Brence - Treasurer, Co-Editor of 'Voice of Canadian Slovenians GLASILO'. Past president of Canadian Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, Past president of Catholic Cross-Cultural Services, Treasurer of Dom Lipa - Slovenian Retirement and Nursing Home. Dr. Franc Habjan -Past president and Executive of the Canadian Slovenian Congress. Stane Kranjc - Chair , Editor of 'Slovenians in Canada' Coordinator of Slovenian Community Events, member of several Slovenian organizations. Dorothy Lenarcic- History teacher, graduate of U of T. Florjan Markun -President of Parish Council, President of All Slovenian Cultural Committee. Ema Pogacar - President of Slovenian Canadian Council. Owner of Pogacar Realty. Jerry Ponikvar B.A., B.E.d, M.E.d. -Served as Director of Education Catholic School Board, presently is an Education Consultant, Past president of Canadian Slovenian Congress. Joe Slobodnik -Honourary Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia. President of Top Grade Molds Ltd. Anne Urbancic Ph.D., Vice Chair of CSHS, University of Toronto, Department of Italian Studies, Program of Semiotics and Communication Theory. Dr. John Vintar CD, FCCT. -University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto, Director of Education, Exemplary Consultant, Executive of the Canadian Slovenian Congress, author and numerous other achievements. Josephine Vegelj - Secretary, Executive Secretary of the
Canadian Slovenian Congress and member of several other Slovenian Organizations The CSHS is an independent society with its own constitution and by-laws. Its sole objective is to acquire, organize and preserve the history of Slovenians in Canada. You can see from our letterhead logo that we have combined the linden leaf and the maple leaf, both strong symbols of our background. The CSHS is more than just a recognition of our community history. Our mission is to preserve the history of Slovenians in Canada to seek, locate and acquire historical data of interest to our community (including manuscripts, art and artifacts) to establish a permanent location where to store and display these to raise funds to finance this archive to make documents available to scholars, historians, students and various libraries and archives who wish to study them The founding members have been meeting since June 2001. To date we have taken a number of steps to ensure that the history of the Slovenian Canadian community in Canada is preserved for all of us. THE ARCHIVE, which will eventually house the documents, the art and the many artifacts that tell the story of Slovenian immigration to Canada, has been set up in Dom Lipa in Toronto thanks to the generous offer of space from their Board of Directors. With the approval of Canada Post, we are working on minting A STAMP commemorating the work of Bishop Baraga, who had such a profound impact on the cultures to which he ministered, including in the greater Toronto region and the Canadian Slovenian community. In conjunction with the 75th anniversary Celebrations of Pier21 in Halifax, we have ensured that A PLAQUE commemorating Slovenian arrivals will be unveiled. This is important because Slovenians most often came to Canada with travel documents that did not identify them as Slovenians at all. One of our most important projects will be the publication of A BOOK describing all the various Slovenian communities and settlements across Canada since 1855.Once we receive these important histories, we will include them in this commemorative volume, Slovenians in Canada from Atlantic to Pacific, to be published on the occasion of the anniversary in 2005. To date, many Slovenian Canadian organizations, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, have sent information about themselves. We are very grateful to them for their participation. However, we need to hear from many other organizations, clubs, churches, youth and sports groups, and others if our information is to be complete. If you or your community group can help us with the information gathering, we would truly pleased as we need to have all reports in by the end of 2003. Here's how to set up your report to be included in the book: Name of the Organization: Address: When was it formed? What were its objectives? What were its accomplishments? How many members did it have? What contribution did it make to the Canadian Slovenian community? To Canada? To Slovenia? Other important or interesting facts. The name and address of the report writer. The report need not be complicated: one or two pages will do. Pictures and/or photos are welcome. Upon request, we will return these after making copies. The CSHS members are happy to help you put the report together. We invite you to help us. Become a member of CSHS. Tell us your arrival story, or the story of how your parents or grandparents came to Canada. We are changing our web site so you will be able to enter your story online. For now mail the story to: Canadian Slovenian Historical Society We invite second and third generation Canadian Slovenians to join us in helping to preserve our history in Canada. Watch the community press for more information about the CSHS and about our activities.
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