Early Settlement There were four waves of Polish immigrations to Canada. The first wave arrived as a result of the passage of the Dominion Lands Act in 1872. The earliest documented Polish group settlement, consisting of at least 25 families, was at Otthon in 1894-1896. The second wave arrived at various times from 1919 to the late 1930's. Major settlements established near Glenavon, Fosston, and Honeymoon. Since these agriculturalists faced the Depression, many moved to the major urban centres looking for work. The third wave followed the end of World War II. These newer immigrants were better educated and were in search of professional opportunities not available in Saskatchewan. The fourth wave occurred during the Solidarity Years, 1980-1989, when people left trying to avoid political persecution. Toward the end of this period, the borders were opened and people were free to leave if they wished. Location and Major Occupation In addition to the settlements already mentioned, Poles resided at Cedoux, Candiac, Neudorf, Tiny, Rama, Buchanan, and Krydor. Immigrants who arrived prior to World War II were primarily farmers and unskilled workers. Post-war immigrants represent a wide range of occupations. Today, Canadians of Polish ancestry can be found in all parts of society. According to the 1996 census, there are 50,550 Saskatchewan residents reporting some Polish origin. Culture and Customs

Culture The Roman Catholic Church has had tremendous influence on the Polish culture. During the communist era, the Church's authority caused the leaders to deal with it politically. Presently the Church and the government are not as confrontational. Greeting Adults are always addressed using the formal title of Mr. or Mrs. until one is told otherwise. Even though the relationship becomes less formal and one is permitted to use first names, the greeting still must be prefaced by Mr. or Mrs. - for example, Mr. Henry or Mrs. Mary. Today this tradition is relaxed with the younger generation, however, it is still used when addressing elders. Traditional etiquette required that a man greeted a woman first and that a youngster greeted an elder first. It was also the prerogative of the woman, elder, or distinguished citizen to extend their hand to you. When a lady extended her hand to a gentleman he would kiss it, especially at a first meeting. Today the kissing of the hand is not used. Greeting between male and female, young and old has become more relaxed and on the same level, with a simple "hello." Visiting Although Poles are gregarious, visitors should never arrive without an invitation. However, once invited, the popular phrase, "my house is your house" is adopted. It is polite to arrive with an odd number of flowers because even numbers are bad luck. Also, red roses are only appropriate if the visit has romantic connotations. In the past, guests were greeted with bread and salt. This tradition dates back to pagan times (prior to the 10th Century) when bread and salt were offered to the gods of the home. Today, this tradition continues at weddings because new households are being established, and at special occasions. Eating Poles traditionally eat 4 meals - breakfast; a light lunch; dinner; and a late supper (after 7 p.m.) when the children are in bed. It is considered proper to wait until all are served before beginning to eat. During the meal, the host may toast the guest with the beverage being served. At a later point in the meal, the polite guest returns the courtesy. Language The Polish language is one of the thirteen distinct Slavic languages and is the official language of Poland. Most of the younger generation speak Russian, English, or French because these languages are taught in the Polish elementary and high schools. The emphasis on the Russian language was more prevalent during the communist regime, and is presently diminishing in the younger generation, with English becoming more popular. A Polish language school operates in Regina Holidays and Celebrations*

Christmas One of the most popular religious traditions is Oplatek - the sharing of the wafer on Christmas Eve. Practised by a family unit and close friends, it symbolizes forgiveness thereby re-establishing harmonious relationships among the participants. This ceremony is followed by a supper of 12 traditional meatless dishes and the singing of carols. An extra place setting at the table signifies that Christ or a stranger would be welcome. Easter Included in this universal celebration is the tradition of Swiecone, the sharing of blessed food on Easter morning. On Easter Monday, boys will chase single girls and either douse them or dunk them in water. This action signifies that the girls are still wanted. In some regions, it is the custom for the boys to receive eggs in return. Pilgrimage to Rama, Saskatchewan This is an annual event which takes place in August. This pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at Rama, Saskatchewan, attracts large numbers of people with varied backgrounds, including Polish, from all over Saskatchewan. It is seen as a substitution for the pilgrimage to Czestochowa, a sacred monastery in Poland. The significance of the Shrine in Rama is that it was constructed by Poles in the area. * Poland was the only communist country in which holy days were holidays. Today holy days remain as holidays. Constitution Day On May 3, 1791, Polish Parliament proclaimed a new constitution in an effort to reorganize and strengthen the nation's position in Central Europe. Independence Day November 11 marks the anniversary of the end of more than 100 years of foreign rule. During the communist regime, November 11 was not celebrated in Poland, but is currently celebrated in Poland and in Canada. Today this date marks not only the end of foreign rule, but serves as a date to commemorate the numerous Poles who lost their lives during the two World Wars. Lifestyle

The Family The family unit is very important. Sacraments like baptisms, first communions and weddings are important because they celebrate the family. Another example which further illustrates the close relationship between church and family is celebration of "name days." Most Saints have a special day and people named after that Saint will celebrate that day like a birthday. In Canada, the celebration of name days is not as popular with the younger generation. Work Prior to World War II, agriculture was the main economic pursuit of the nation. In the post-war period, however, Poland underwent significant urban and industrial growth. As a result, the traditional household has been modified. In most cases, both parents work and share in child-rearing responsibilities. The government shows its support of this new relationship by funding daycare facilities. Education Poles begin their formal education at age six. All education, even post-secondary, is provided free of charge. Receiving a good education is not only important to the family but social status also accompanies educational achievement. Because the number of schools, especially in the rural areas, has not kept up with the demand, some will operate from 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening. Within this twelve hour period, there will be three separate sittings with as many as forty students per classroom. Recreation Soccer and track and field are the major athletic activities. Although athletic prowess is well-rewarded, the Poles place a lot of emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle as well. Weekend recreation includes hiking, camping, and downhill skiing. Health spas and mineral springs are very popular. Community Activities At the present time Polish cultural, social, and veterans organizations exist in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert. Polish language newspapers are published in Winnipeg and Toronto. A Polish language school operates in Regina. Polish-Canadian and Canadian youth participate in folk dancing as a way of maintaining their culture. The Polonia Dance Ensemble of Regina is active in Saskatchewan. They have performed at special events for the Polish community as well as at various multicultural festivals throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba, United States and Poland. Sources of Additional Information

Organizations • Canadian Polish Congress. www.kpk.org • Polish Canadian Cultural Club, Regina. • Polonia Dance Ensemble, Regina. Literature Radecki, Henry and Heydenkorn, Benedykt. A Member of a Distinguished Family: The Polish Groups in Canada. Radecki, Henry. Ethnic Organizational Dynamics: The Polish Group in Canada. Gebhard, Krzysztof M. "Poles in Saskatchewan: Settlement and Sources".