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           Welcome / Dobrodošli ​

The Canadian Slovenian Historical Society (CSHS) was formed in 2002 and incorporated in 2003 to coordinate, research, record and preserve the history of Slovenians in Canada.
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​This short video introduces the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society and outlines the various tasks performed to achieve our goal of recording and preserving the history of Canadian Slovenians. 

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Remembering May 1945 - Slovenian Exodus

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April 25, 2022
 
 The Slovenian Exodus luncheon was a huge success. It was held on Sunday April 24, 2022 at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church Hall in Toronto. Tickets were sold out and there is still a long waiting list. Therefore this event will be held again  at St. Gregory the Great (Slovenian) Church hall in Hamilton on Sunday October 16, 2022.
Mario Ulcar opened the luncheon with a few words outlining the work performed by the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society. Then followed a documentary about the Slovenian struggles during WWII and then the escape from communism in 1945 as told by the people who crossed into Austria during the exodus.  After the documentary a tribute to all the guests who had experienced this exodus were identified followed by a group picture of these heroes who had made the trip to Vetrinje.


​18th AGM was held on Saturday February 12, 2022

    The AGM for the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society was conducted using Zoom on February 13, 2022 starting at 10:00 am. Since it was on zoom, we had Canadian participation from British Columbia all the way to New Brunswick.
​    The board presented the year in review followed by elections. The term expired for; Miriam Čekuta, Mark Ferkul, Paula Petersen, Mario Ulčar and  Anne Žagar. All were re-elected by acclamation.

Remembering May 1945 - Slovenian Exodus

 November 12, 2021  
 
The Slovenian Exodus luncheon will have to be postponed again.  The Covid restrictions on capacity were supposed to be lifted on November 15, Because the number of Covid cases, the government is delaying the relaxation of covid restrictions by 28 days. We are still determined to host this event, We are hoping to hold this event in spring of 2022. We will hold the tickets that have been purchased unless you would like a refund. Stay Healthy.
      

Remembering May 1945 - Slovenian Exodus rescheduled

May 2020 marked 75 years since the exodus out of Slovenia of those fleeing the communist regime. To commemorate this event, the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society had planned to host a luncheon followed by a short program outlining the events that transpired during their exodus. 
      However, due to Covid 19, the April 2020 event was postponed to October 4, 2020. Unfortunately, we have been compelled to delay it once more. We are determined to host this event honouring those who were part of the exodus. The new date has been set for next year on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Remembering May 1945 - Slovenian Exodus

May 2020 marks 75 years since the end of World War II, when many of our parents and grandparents left Slovenia.  Fearing persecution by the communist government that had gained control, they walked for days to cross the Austrian border seeking protection.  Here, and in other camps in Italy, they lived as refugees in displaced persons camps and were declared stateless.
To commemorate this event, the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society will be hosting a luncheon followed by a short program outlining the events that transpired during their exodus.  It will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2020 in the church hall on Browns Line.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Documentary on Fr. Franc Sodja

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Franc Sodja (1914 – 2007), a Slovenian priest and writer, whose life is a great example for today. He was a simple man, born in the midst of the Bohinj mountains, who was constantly trying to serve God and people. After WW II, he was imprisoned for five years and persecuted, later worked in Canada and Argentina among the Slovenian compatriots and wrote extensively. He gave spiritual exercises, led retreats and missions. He will always be remembered for his authenticity, fervent dedication to God and his total commitment to others.
               
​Password for film: P,sjBinl.2435

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Video Interviews

CSHS has over 200 interesting audio interviews. The seniors outline their life in Slovenia, the reason for coming to Canada and how they established themselves in Canada.In 2019,we started video interviews.  Currently we have taped people from the golden horseshoe area in Ontario, but we would like to hear from our seniors across Canada.   

​For more information email; 
marioulcar@gmail.com
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​Unveiling of Monument dedicated to Captain John 

On August 8, 2018 a monument was unveiled at the location where Captain John's Restaurant used to be docked. The monument includes the anchor from the ship Jadran. The event was coordinated by Joe Mihevc, city of Toronto councilor, and his office.  In attendance were also the former mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, and former mayor of Toronto, David Crombie.  All three spoke eloquently and supportively about John Letnik's vision of the waterfront and his contribution to the city of Toronto. 

​CSHS meets with Dr. Bojan Cvelfar 

On Wednesday July 12, 2017 members of the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society (CSHS) and the Vse Slovenski Kulturni Odbor (VSKO) had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bojan Cvelfar, Director at the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia in Ljubljana. Members gave Dr. Cvelfar a tour of the CSHS Archives in Dom Lipa and discussed archives, traditions, and communities in Canada and Slovenia. Dr. Cvelfar was in Toronto along with three other archivists from Ljubljana and Maribor for the 2017 Archival Education Research Institute (AERI) Conference held at the University of Toronto.
(From left to right): Marjan Kolaric, Marjan Ulcar, Dr. Bojan Cvelfar, Emily Chicorli, Mary Rozmanc, Vera Margutsch, Anne Zagar.

​CSHS Website         

The website continues to  be updated as information and pictures become available. The GALLERY section is very informative as it provides a brief summary and pictures of what happened during each era. 

We are looking for pictures of early days in Canada, such as depictions of one’s first job, completing the work contract, the start of various Slovenian organizations, etc. When submitting pictures of parents and grandparents from years ago, please provide some commentary to enable better understanding and perspective.

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​All the issues of our quarterly newsletter OUR STORY can be viewed under PUBLICATIONs. The  recent issue of OUR STORY (Spring 2021) can be viewed by clicking the button.

​Pier 21

There are some interesting videos and stories on the Pier 21 website about the Slovenian refugees who came to Canada:  Visit Pier 21
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Some pictures of Canadian Slovenians



​Display in Ottawa for Canada's 150th Anniversary

To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, one of the government’s initiatives was to invite the various embassies to showcase their countries and culture. Friday, June 23 was Slovenia’s day, and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia welcomed various Slovenian groups and organizations from across Canada, who proudly presented Slovenia in dance, song and food, and by displaying cultural artifacts. The CSHS was pleased to be a participant as well. The event took place in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.
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​Dr. Zvone Žigon (third from the left) from the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad with some of the CSHS members
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Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Marjan Cencen (fourth from the left) with some of the CSHS members
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