Radomir Bilash

BIO

Born and raised as a fifth generation Ukrainian-Canadian in Winnipeg, Radomir attended church, catechism classes, Ukrainian school, sang in choirs, played in orchestras, joined Plast Ukrainian Youth Association and studied Ukrainian at St John’s High School, where he was also editor of Smoloskyp Ukrainian Student’s newspaper. He completed his Bachelor and Masters of Arts degrees at the University of Manitoba, majoring in Cultural Anthropology and minoring in Ukrainian, while actively participating in its Ukrainian clubs.
Radomir’s personal passion for a Ukrainian identity in Canada transcended into a lifelong career with anything Ukrainian. Over the past fifty years, through private organizational affiliations, his professional life, public and academic presentations, publications, he actively promoted, initiated and preserved Ukrainian language, history, and culture as a legitimate component of the Canadian milieu. He credits part of this unwavering drive to his grandfather Nykola who, after eight years in Canada, owned a homestead and graduated from the Ruthenian Teachers Training College (Brandon) in 1915, which was then closed in response to WWI anti-Ukrainian sentiment and the abolition of bilingual schools.
Radomir continues relaying this passion and dedication to his children and grandchildren, ensuring future generations remain fluent and active in their ancestral community!