CANORA - On Nov. 16, 2023 the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (UWAC) Maria Markovych Branch held its final meeting in Canora.
The group was first formed on Oct. 7, 1926 with 12 members. On Jan. 13, 1929 it became a branch of the national UWAC.
The work continued and the organization became larger and stronger. By the time of the 50th anniversary in 1976 there were 145 members whose biographies are listed in the history book published for the jubilee celebration. Rainbow Hall, the church parish hall, has a room referred to as The Classroom with several group pictures of the organization, which testify to the numbers. These were women who shared the benefits of belonging to this sisterhood, women working together for a common cause. This was an exciting time of growth, with many members and much activity.
Through the years the branch looked after the children and youth activities, supporting the church camp at Crystal Lake, supporting the Ukrainian Museum of Canora and of course, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora, as well as other causes as they came up. These were things like health services, TeleMiracle, and other local community services. Women's groups were good fundraisers.
However, as time goes on there are changes such as population shifts and changing needs. Women began to work outside the home and had less time to devote to the group and probably the social needs of the group changed. The numbers began to decrease as members moved, died, were less active due to aging, or found other interests in some cases. On Nov. 16 there were seven of the final eight members present. It was time to close the branch.
So it was with mixed feelings that the required motions were passed and recorded. It is a relief for the members to know that they have completed the long history of service with the knowledge that the branch has accomplished much in its 97 years. It is also a sad occasion knowing that it had to end. After a low-key bit of socializing over pizza, the UWAC Maria Markovych branch is now closed.
The good news is that good work continues as the church group has taken over much of what the branch no longer could do. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Rainbow Hall continue to work as a church group; hosting dances, banquets, markets, workshops, gathering events, as well as local community services, however no longer under the UWAC umbrella.
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