The SLOVAK CANADIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL (SCNC) was established in 1971 as the territorial Committee of the Slovak World Congress and was incorporated in 1985. The SCNC is the unifying central voice of its member organizations, institutions, groups and individuals.
The SCNC has a ten-member Board of Directors, which includes an Executive Board. The Board of Directors is elected to serve a 2-year term. Each affiliated Council member is invited to attend the Annual Meeting, through which the board of directorsis elected. The SCNC
SLOVAK CANADIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Helen Bucic, Richmond Hill, ON
Executive Vice-President: Mark Popik, P.Eng., Brampton, ON
Secretary: Margaret Dvorsky, Richmond Hill, ON
Tresurer: Diana Sasinek, Oakville ON
Since 1971 The Slovak Canadian National Council has been the unifying central voice of Slovak organizations, institutions and groups.They in turn represent the aims and aspirations of 150,000 Slovak Canadians.
In 1985 it was chartered with the following objectives:
Generally Annual Conferences and Meetings were sponsored in different Cities across Canada,with focus on the needs and concerns relevant to our Community and its involvement and status in mainstream Canadianism.
The SCNC has a tradition and a record of placing permanent markers identifying the Slovak presence in Canada.These are determined measures toward creating better understanding and Harmony, within our Canadian Society.The SCNC believes that the concept of education and sharing is a positive approach to put an end to stereotyping, distrust of immigrants and discrimination in Canada.
PROCLAIMED: June 1985 to July 1986 the Centennial year of "Major Slovak Settlement in Canada". Held the First SCNC National Conference at the Palliser Hotel in Calgary, June 21-23, 1985.
1985 - Sponsored in co-operation with the Ontario Multicultural Theatre Association, the theatre production of "Baca'sWife" by Ivan Stodola, at the Multicultural Theatre Festival inWinnipeg,MB.
Over the years: Encouraged and endorsed contributions of heritage articles to Mainstream Museums.
A Slovak Corner, in Cooks Creek museum in Alberta, was sponsored and developed by members of Br. 1 of the Slovak Canadian League in Winnipeg.
1990 - artifacts reflecting the Slovak Culture collected by 'Slovakia' Slovak Cultural & Sports Society of Edmonton and donated to the Provincial Museum of Alberta - catalyst Mary Taylor.
1991 - Mike Guzei donated a 1912 REO automobile to the St. Catherines, ON, Historical Museum.
1986 - During the 2nd National Conference in Ottawa, private reception was held in the Commonwealth Room on Parliament Hill. Delegates attending the conference and local Slovak Community members were warmly welcomed by Hon. John Frazer, speaker of the House. His address was filled with admiration and encouragement.
COMMEMORATED: the 1,100th anniversary of the death of Saint Methodius, Patron of Slovakia, at the Slovak Cathedral of Transfiguration in Markham, Ontario.
Celebrated: the "International Year of the Youth", by sponsoring members of LIPA Canadian Slovak Folk Ensemble from Montreal and some individuals to tour Edmonton, Calgary,Winnipeg and Toronto, with musical presentation "Our Slovak Heritage".
Efforts to promote Slovak Identity: Linden Trees were planted on Legislative Grounds in Quebec City, QC, 1992 in Winnipeg,MB, and on the grounds of Carleton University, Ottawa, ON.
1990 - Sponsored the "1st Canadian International Triennial of Slovak Art". A juried exhibit at the National Library in Ottawa and at the Robarts Library of the University of Toronto.
A Symposium for Elders was held at the Lyola Arupe Centre,Toronto, which was a project of the Canadian Jesuits and to acquaint the seniors as to what services were offered in their locality and in the main stream.
A Youth Forum in Markham, Ontario. Youth leaders from Canada and the U.S.A. gathered and discussed at length the changes in Slovakia and their impact on the Community in Canada.
1991 - A National Youth Festival in Toronto, at Nathan Phillip Square. A pictorial History of Slovak Nation and Slovakia with some text was offered to the public for viewing. A display of costumes, artifacts and symbols of our traditions and customs were also available. Our Folk dance groups captivated the diverse audience.
1992 - A Canada Day Program, for the 5thWorld Festival of Slovak Youth, held from July 12th - 19th 1992 in Martin, Slovakia. The SCNC acted as a co-ordinator and with the Slovak Youth from Canada, depicted Canada from Sea to Sea. It was designed to portray the Aboriginals, the Founding Nations, the different waves of Immigration and the peoples of Canada. In co-operation with our member organizations, our Folk groups and individuals performed a Folkloric Operetta.This production captivated the minds and hearts of more than 5,000 spectators. It was heralded as the best Foreign Country contribution to the Festival.
The independence of the Slovak Republic was marked January 1st, 1993. Organized with the co-operation of member groups, an Official celebration was held in Markham, ON and the SCNC encouraged members inWinnipeg, Calgary and Montreal to do the same. Heralding that Canada was the first to recognize the Nationhood of our people.