Genia Leskiw Recognised with Provincial Hetman Award for Leadership and Community Service

Bonnyville’s Genia Leskiw has been honoured with a Hetman Outstanding Leadership Award from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC), recognising her long-standing contributions to Ukrainian culture, education and community service in Alberta.

Leskiw, a retired educator, former MLA and lifelong volunteer, was among the individuals recognised at the 27th Annual Hetman Awards Ceremony held on Nov. 9 in Edmonton. The event brought together more than 200 attendees, along with several provincial, federal and municipal dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the awards within Alberta’s Ukrainian community.

Lifelong Commitment to Culture and Community

The daughter of Ukrainian immigrants who settled in Canada after the Second World War, Leskiw began her teaching career in Bonnyville in 1975. Over the next three decades she became a key figure in Ukrainian language education in the region, teaching the subject for 33 years and helping preserve cultural identity for generations of students.

Her work later expanded into public service when she represented Bonnyville – Cold Lake as MLA from 2008 to 2015. Throughout her career and into retirement, she has continued to volunteer through the local orthodox church, community boards and cultural groups, while also supporting Ukrainian newcomers arriving in the region in recent years.

Genia Leskiw (centre) “Thank you to both of you for taking the initiative and time to nominate me for this award. Following in both of your footsteps is a great honour.” Emil Yereniuk (left) and Olesia Melania (right).

Previous Award winners to the right of Genia Leskiw (yellow): Lesia Pohoreski and Emil Yereniuk.

Provincial Recognition for Service

The Hetman Awards celebrate volunteer leadership and meaningful contributions to Ukrainian life in Alberta. UCC-APC president Orysia Boychuk reflected on the significance of this year’s recipients, noting that the ceremony recognised individuals whose service strengthens cultural continuity across the province. Boychuk said the honourees represent compassion, leadership and dedication that keep the Ukrainian community resilient and vibrant.

Boychuk also emphasised the role of community participation, acknowledging the many leaders, volunteers and dignitaries who attended the ceremony in support of this year’s award recipients.

Local Impact Continues

For the Bonnyville region, Leskiw’s recognition caps several recent years of notable involvement. In addition to her ongoing volunteer commitments, she has played a key role supporting Ukrainian evacuees who have relocated to the Lakeland, assisting families with resources, cultural connections and basic needs. Her compassionate approach has made her a point of contact for many arriving in the area.

Leskiw’s Hetman Award marks another milestone in a lifetime spent serving her community, reflecting a legacy that spans education, culture and local leadership.