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Nation Building in Saskatchewan : The Ukrainians

Accession number: 
1921.0008
Production Years: 
1921

Languages:

Film Properties: 
Length (feet): 
620 (16mm), 1550 (28mm), 1400 (35mm)
Length (minutes): 
18
Holding Institutions: 

Library and Archives Canada: 16mm, 28mm, 35mm, VHS, Digibeta.
"The Saskatchewan Minister of Education, S.J. Latta, is shown at his desk. A long series of sequences recounts the arrival of Ukrainian immigrants, including: an Ocean Liner at sea, immigrants assembled on a pier, travelling by train, at their new homes, etc. Men plough with oxen at first, then with modern machinery. Homes are patterned on European styles at first, then on Canadian architecture. Adults still sport backhome styles, kerchiefs, etc. but youngsters go native. Sequence on the Pl Mohyla Ukrainian Institute, students, classes at work. A large portion of the documentary stresses schooling for Ukrainian children. Sequences on the "story" of a boy from early infancy to graduation at the University of Saskatchewan. Shots of the University and of the convocation procession. Shots of Slawa School in Hafford, Saskatchewan and sequence on the teacher and his wife, a trained nurse, who sees to the health of the settlers. Series of shots on the Wolf Cub and Scouting movement among the Ukrainians involving camp scenes, outdoor life. Ruthenian boy scouts are singled out. Girls at the Lost Lake School near Hafford enjoy folk dancing outside their school while teacher chats with parents. A group of girls get instruction on sewing. Sequence on the first Annual School Field Day on June 24, 1921, with shots of sports and other activities. The president of the Saskatchewan Rotary Club presents trophy to winning school, and Inspector Drimmie rewards winners in singing and elocution with medals. Elsewhere, a memorial donated by the Bank of Commerce is unveiled in honour of bank employees who fell in the Great War. Final sequence on the lowering of the Union Jack as children salute. Final shot of the Saskatchewan Legislature."