The Right Honourable Stephen Harper attends the 50 th Anniversary of the U n i t e d M a c e d o n i a n s Organization of Canada

Transcription

1 The Right Honourable Stephen Harper attends the 50 th Anniversary of the U n i t e d M a c e d o n i a n s Organization of Canada Established 1959 Proudly Canadian

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3 Established 1959 Proudly Canadian The Right Honourable Stephen Harper attends the 50 th Anniversary of the U n i t e d M a c e d o n i a n s Organization of Canada Toronto, 2009

4 Published by the United Macedonians Organization of Canada Toronto Editor and Designer Dragi Stojkovski Picture on front and inside front cover: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, President of the UMOC Dragi Stojkovski and Canadian Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney with members of the Macedonian dance groups Makedonka and St. Ilija (Photo taken by official photographer from the Prime Minister s office). Other pictures used in the book also taken by official photographer from the Prime Minister s office, by Lui Pandopoulos - official photographer of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada for this event, as well as by Mary Mitsopoulos and Slobodan Petreski. Izdadeno od Organizacijata Obedineti Makedonci vo Kanada Toronto Urednik i tehni~ka obrabotka Dragi Stojkovski Slika na predna i vnatre{na korica: Kanadskiot Premier Stiven Harper, pretsedatelot na OOMK Dragi Stojkovski i Ministerot za Doseleni{tvo, dr`avjanstvo i multikulturalizam, Xejson Keni so igraorcite od Makedonka i Sv. Ilija (Slikata e od slu`beniot slikar pri kancelarijata na Premierot). Vo knigava se koristeni i drugi sliki od slu`beniot slikar pri kancelarijata na Premierot, od Lui Pandopulos - slu`ben slikar na Organizacijata Obedineti Makedonci vo Kanada za ovoj nastan, kako i od Meri Mitsopulos i Slobodan Petreski.

5 Contents Dedication / Posveta... 6 Prime Minister Harper attends United Macedonians 50 th Anniversary during Gotse Delchev Night... 7 Kanadskiot premier Harper prisustvuva{e na 50 - godi{ninata na Obedineti Makedonci za vreme Gocevata ve~er... 8 Mr. Harper in the Macedonian Orthodox Church St. Clement of Ohrid... 9 Mr. Harper enters the St. Clement s Hall of the MOC St. Clement of Ohrid Start of the Official Program Speech by Dragi Stojkovski, President of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada Speech by the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Speech by Canada s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper Prime Minister s Certificate to United Macedonians Organization of Canada on the Occasion of the 50 th Anniversary Speech by William Jankovski, Representative of the Macedonian Lions Hockey Team Greetings from the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski Counter-clockwise View of the Guests The First Dance (Oro) Led by the President of United Macedonians Stojkovski and Vice-President Bakalovski Letter of Gratitude from the Prime Minister for the Hospitality During the 50th Anniversary Reply Letter from Prime Minister s Office Regarding United Macedonians Campaign for Canada s Recognition of the Constitutional Name of the Republic of Macedonia... 55

6 Dedication This publication is dedicated to the founding fathers of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada, whose vision is still alive and strong and inspires the new generation of Canadian Macedonians to continue to build on that strength by organizing annual events such as the Gotse Delchev Night, other Macedonian cultural, sports and educational events and establishments and lobbying for the Macedonian cause in Canada and throughout the World. We are proud that our accomplishments are acknowledged by the presence of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper. Established 1959 Proudly Canadian Posveta Ova izdanie e posveteno na osnova~kite tatkovci na Organizacijata obedineti Makedonci vo Kanada, ~ij dalekovid e seu{te `iv i silen i ja pottiknuva novata generacija kanadski Makedonci da prodol`at so nadgradbata na taa sila preku oddr`uvawe godi{ni nastani kako {to e Gocevata - komitska ve~er, drugi makedonski kulturni, sportski i obrazovni nastani i ustanovi i lobirawe za makedonskoto delo vo Kanada i niz celiot svet. 6

7 Prime Minister Harper attends United Macedonians 50 th Anniversary during Gotse Delchev Night Toronto, February 7, The United Macedonian s annual Gotse Delchev Night, held in the year of the 50 th Jubilee of the organization took place on Saturday February 7, in the Clement Room of the Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral St. Clement of Ohrid in Toronto. The 500 attendees were honoured with the presence of the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable, Stephen Harper. Mr. Harper is the first Canadian Prime Minister to attend an event organized by the United Macedonians or to visit the first and largest Macedonian cathedral in Canada. The Prime Minister was welcomed in front of the cathedral St. Clement of Ohrid, by the president of the Organization Dragi Stojkovski, where he viewed the beautiful frescoes and signed the golden Guest Book. There was an outpour of emotions when Mr. Harper entered the banquet hall. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and personally thank him for the recognition of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia and to share a photo with Canada s leader. Among the other guests at the celebration were Canadian dignitaries such as The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, while the Macedonian side was represented by Vlatko Gjorchev and Aleksandar Nikoloski, both MP s in the Macedonian Parliament, and Martin Trenevski, Consul General of the Republic of Macedonia in Toronto and others. The President of the United Macedonians, Dragi Stojkovski, spoke about the importance of the Gotse Delchev Night and the 50 th Jubilee of the Organization. On behalf of all Canadian Macedonians, as well as Macedonians worldwide, Stojkovski thanked the Prime Minister for recognizing the historic and constitutional name of Macedonia in He encouraged the Prime Minister to intensify trade and cultural ties with the Republic of Macedonia and to open a Canadian Embassy in Skopje, the Macedonian capital. Stojkovski praised Canada s multiculturalism and encouraged Greece and Bulgaria, two of Macedonia s neighbours to learn a lesson from Canada. Prior to introducing the Canadian Prime Minister, Minister Kenney spoke about the contribution that Canadian Macedonians have made in Canada. The Canadian Prime Minister thanked the more than 500 guests with blagodaram, (which means thank you in Macedonian). Harper was pleased with the warm welcome and expressed his satisfaction of the good relations between Canada and the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski sent a greeting of his own for the celebration, which was read by Stojkovski. In it, Mr. Gruevski conveyed his personal gratitude and the gratitude of the Macedonian people to the Prime Minister Harper and the state of Canada for the overall support this friendly country provides to us in the field of the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations, as well as for the recognition of our Constitutional name, the Republic of Macedonia. Before departing, Prime Minister Harper presented the President of the United Macedonians, Dragi Stojkovski, a certificate in recognition of the 50 year effort to enrich the lives of Canadians of Macedonian descent through community unification, and the celebration of your proud heritage and traditions. In return, as a sign of respect for the Prime Minister and gratitude for the recognition of Macedonia s name, Stojkovski presented Mr. Harper a sculpture of Alexander of Macedon in one of his victories, while the Macedonian hockey team Macedonian Lions, presented Mr. Harper with a hockey jersey bearing his name. Other speakers during the second part of the program were Macedonian MPs Vlatko Gjorchev and Aleksandar Nikolovski and the Consul General of the Republic of Macedonia in Toronto, Martin Trenevski. Greetings from the Union of Associations of Macedonians from the Aegean part of Macedonia were read. 7

8 Kanadskiot premier Harper prisustvuva{e na 50 - godi{ninata na Obedineti Makedonci za vreme Gocevata ve~er Toronto, fevruari 7, Tradicionalnata Goceva ve~er vo organizacija na Obedineti Makedonci, oddr`ana vo ramkite na 50-godi{ninata od osnovaweto na organizacijata, se oddr`a vo sabota, 7 fevruari, vo Klimentovata sala pri MPC sv. Kliment Ohridski vo Toronto. Petstotinata prisutni bea po~esteni so prisustvoto na kanadskiot premier Stiven Harper. Premierot Harper e prv kanadski premier koj prisustvuval na nastan organiziran od Obedineti Makedonci i prva poseta na prvata i najgolema Makedonska Pravoslavna Crkva vo Kanada. Pred katedralata sv. Kliment Ohridski, pretsedatelot na Organizacijata Obedineti Makedonci vo Kanada, Dragi Stojkovski, go pre~eka Premierot. Po razgleduvawe na prekrasniot `ivopis, premierot Harper se potpi{a vo zlatnata kniga. Vleguvaj}i vo banketnata sala, prisutnite so ogromen izliv na emocii go pre~ekaa Premierot. Sekoj saka{e da se pozdravi so nego, da mu se zablagodari li~no za priznavaweto na Republika Makedonija pod ustavnoto ime i da se slika pokraj nego. Na proslavata ima{e i drugi gosti od Kanada kako Ministerot za dr`avjanstvo, emigracija i multikultura, Xejson Keni, dodeka makedonskata strana be{e pretstavena od dvata pratenika Vlatko \or~ev i Aleksandar Nikoloski, kako i Martin Trenevski, Generalen konzul na Republika Makedonija vo Toronto. Vo svojot govor, pretsedatelot na Obedineti Makedonci, Dragi Stojkovski, zboruva{e za va`nosta na Gocevata ve~er i za 50-godi{ninata na Organizacijata. Od imeto na site kanadski Makedonci, kako i od site Makedonci {irum svetot, Stojkovski se zablagodari na premierot Harper za priznavaweto na istoriskoto i ustavno ime na R. Makedonija vo 2007 godina. Toj go ohrabri premierot da gi pro{iri trgovskite i kulturni vrski so Republika Makedonija i da otvori kanadska ambasada vo Skopje. Stojkovski go pofali kanadskiot miltikulturizam i gi ohrabri makedonskite sosedi, Grcija i Bugarija, da nau~at lekcija od Kanada. Pred da go najavi premierot, ministerot Keni zboruva{e za udelot koj kanadskite Makedonci go dale za Kanada. Kanadskiot premier se zablagodari na 500-te prisutni so makedonskiot zbor blagodaram. Premierot Harper be{e zadovolen od topliot pre~ek i izrazi zadovolstvo za dobrite odnosi pome u Kanada i Republika Makedonija. Makedonskiot premier Gruevski isprati pozdrav do proslavata, koj be{e pro~itan od Stojkovski. Vo pozdravot Gruevski ja isprati li~nata blagodarnost i blagodarnosta na makedonskiot narod do premierot Harper i kanadskata dr`ava, za celosnata poddr{ka koja ovaa prijatelska dr`ava ni ja dava na poleto na evropski i evro-atlantski integracii, kako i priznavaweto na na{eto ustavno ime, Republika Makedonija. Pred zaminuvawe, premierot Harper mu vra~i na pretsedatelot na Obedineti Makedonci, Dragi Stojkovski, povelba vo ~est na 50-godi{niot trud da se zbogatat `ivotite na Kana anite od makedonsko poteklo, preku informirawe na zaednicata i proslavuvawe na va{eto gordo nasledstvo i tradicii. Vozvrat, kako znak na ~est kon premierot i blagodarnost za priznavaweto na makedonskoto ime, Stojkovski mu vra~i na Harper reljev so Aleksandar Makedonski vo edna od negovite pobedonosni bitki, dodeka makedonskiot hokejarski tim Makedonski lavovi mu vra~i na Harper maica so negovoto prezime. Drugi govornici vo vtoriot del od programata bea pratenicite vo makedonskoto Sobranie, Vlatko \or~ev i Aleksandar Nikolovski kako i Martin Trenevski, generalniot konzul na Republika Makedonija vo Toronto. Pro~itana be{e pozdravnata telegrama od Sojuzot na zdru`enijata od egejskiot del na Makedonija. 8

9 Prime Minister Harper Enters the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC) St. Clement of Ohrid The President of United Macedonians Dragi Stojkovski, greeted Prime Minister Harper in front of the Macedonian Cathedral St. Clement of Ohrid and led him into the church (picture above) where Mr. Harper was first introduced to Borche Kulevski, the secretary of the organization (picture to the right), then to the Parish priest, Father Trajko Boseovski (upper picture on opposite page) and Sasho Popovski, president of the Church Executive. 9

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13 After signing the Golden Guest Book, Mr. Harper admired the beautiful frescos which adorn the walls and ceiling of the church. 13

14 Prime Minister Harper Enters the Clements Hall at MOC St. Clement of Ohrid 14

15 The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Everyone was on their feet, awaiting the Prime Minister s entrance into Clement s Hall. Once Mr. Harper stepped into the Hall, the guests gave him a hero s welcome, chanting Harper, Harper, Harper... Everyone wanted to shake Mr. Harper s hand, talk to him, Thank him for Canada s recognition of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia and get a chance to be photographed with Canada s Prime Minister. 15

16 The kitchen staff was first to get photographed with the Prime Minister. With the sounds of the traditional Gajda (Macedonian bagpipes), Mr. Harper was led through the enthusiastic guests all the way to the Head Table (lower picture on opposite page). Sime Gadjovski, former president of the St. Clement of Ohrid Executive uses the opportunity to personally thank the Prime Minister for Canada s recognition of the Macedonian constitutional name. 16

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19 Before being seated at the Head Table, Mr. Harper received the traditional Macedonian welcome with Leb i sol (Bread and salt) 19

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21 Start of the Official Program Vickey Bakalovska was the MC for the evening Jasmine Ignetsky, Mr. Harper s Senior Economic Advisor and a proud Canadian of Macedonian origin. 21

22 MC Vickey Bakalovska (upper picture on p. 21) opened the evening by introducing all the guests at the Head table: Mary Lazarevski, Miss United Macedonians 2008; Father Trajko Boseovski, Dean to the Canadian Deanery of the American Canadian Macedonian Diocese and his wife Mirjana; Vlatko Gjorchev and Aleksandar Nikoloski, MP s from the Republic of Macedonia; Martin Trenevski, Consul General of the Republic of Macedonia in Toronto adn his wife Vasilka; Dragi Stojkovski, President of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada; The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; and The Right Honourable Stephan Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. Igor Gelev, Captain in the Macedonian Army and Mile Dimitrievski, Major in the Macedonian Army. Both Macedonian officers are studying English at CFB Borden and were special guests for this event. The dancers of Makedonka are anxiously waiting for their chance to showcase the rich Macedonian folklore to Canada s Prime Minister and other dignitaries. 22

23 Although the younger dancers from the group St. Ilija did not get a chance to show their dancing abilities due to time constraint (lower picture on p. 26), nevertheless they were thrilled to be in the presence of Canada s Prime Minister and be photographed with him (picture on cover page). The dance group Makedonka welcomed the Prime Minister with a traditional medley dance called Sred selo (In the middle of the village), while the guests attentively watched. 23

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27 Speech by Dragi Stojkovski, President of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada The Right Honourable Stephan Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Dear guests from the Macedonian Parliament, Vlatko Gjorchev and Aleksandar Nikoloski; Consul General of the Republic of Macedonia, Ambassador Martin Trenevski; The founders of the United Macedonians Organization and past presidents; Our Parish Priests; presidents of the Macedonian Orthodox Churches and organizations; Dear Macedonian - Canadians and friends; This evening we have been honoured as never before. On this day, we celebrate the 137 th anniversary since the birth of the great Macedonian visionary and freedom fighter, Gotse Delchev, who dedicated his life for the liberty of Macedonia and the Macedonian people. Through this anniversary we are honouring the lives of all Macedonians that have devoted and given their lives for the liberty of Macedonia and its people. At the same time, we honour all Canadians who have given their lives for the liberty of Canada, including the courageous Canadian soldiers that fight to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan. 27

28 This year, all of the events of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada are dedicated to our 50 th anniversary celebrations. 50 years ago, young Macedonian Canadians, veterans of the Second World War, encouraged by their involvement in the resistance effort to crush Nazi Germany and the reality that part of the Macedonian people had formed a Republic in 1944, refused to listen to those who wanted to deny the uniqueness of our language, culture and faith and established what was to become Canada s largest Macedonian organization. They had foresight and vision. A vision that unity is strength. And on the 28 th of April, 1959, at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, they decided to form the United Macedonians. Their goal was very simple and honourable: To promote unity and friendship among all Macedonians on this continent and elsewhere, regardless of their religious beliefs, political opinions or affiliations. 50 years is definitely a long enough time to declare that the vision of the founding fathers of our organization is still alive and strong and for that we salute you and thank you. You initiated the Ilinden picnics, which, with time, became the largest gathering of Macedonians in the World. You assisted in the foundation of this very cathedral. The new generation of Canadian Macedonians continue to build on that strength by organizing annual events such as the October 11 th Banquet, the Mirka Ginova Night and the Gotse Delchev Evening; supporting and sponsoring hockey, soccer and softball teams; organizing Macedonian cultural and educational establishments; lobbying for the Macedonian cause in Canada and throughout the World. We are proud that our accomplishments are acknowledged by the presence of the Prime Minister of Canada. And we are especially honoured because this is not just any Prime Minister of Canada. It is THE Prime Minster that recognized the historic and constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia. 28

29 And for that reason Mr. Prime Minister, from the bottom of my heart, and I am sure that goes for everyone here, all Canadian Macedonians, as well as Macedonians worldwide, we proudly say Thank You Mr. Harper. The recognition of Macedonia s name is an indication of your high moral values, as well as those of your Government. Many Prime Ministers before you knew about the wrongdoings towards our aboriginal population, but said nothing. It was you, Mr. Harper, as leader of this government that apologized for the wrongdoings towards Canada s native peoples. When I watched the formal apology on television, I felt very emotional. The apology and supporting investigative reports about the wrongdoings were shown on TV throughout the day. As I watched, my thoughts went to the land of my birth, Macedonia, and the villages of my parent s birth in the part of Macedonia under Greece. One question kept coming to my mind: when will Greece have a Prime Minister with the high moral values and courage to finally apologize to the Macedonian people for the continuous ethnic and cultural assimilation perpetrated since 1912? The more I asked that question,... the more it felt like a hallucination. Is it possible for a country that has spent nearly a century in denying a people its identity to finally stop the negation and apologize? Prime Minister Harper, as ethnic Macedonians and Canadians of Macedonian origin, we are proud that our two countries and peoples have always been on the same side during major World conflicts. There is one small difference however Canadian soldiers have fought on Macedonian soil, while no Macedonian soldier has had to fight on Canadian soil. However, the fact that Macedonian Canadians have fought for the Canadian army in the First and Second World Wars, evens out the score. And lets be proud of the fact that several Macedonian officers, who are present with us this evening, are being trained in Camp Borden, here in Canada. And we are very proud of that fact. Another similarity between Canada and Macedonia is the fact that, although they are not major military powers, in the field of culture they are both super powers, both living by Gotse Delchev s motto: I understand the World only as a field for cultural cooperation among nations. That is why we encourage both our countries and governments to follow Gotse s guiding principle through increased trade and cultural contacts. As a highly industrialized country, Canada can help with investments in Macedonia. One way of increasing the level of cooperation would be the opening of a Canadian Embassy in Macedonia. And finally, Mr. Harper, Canada should finish the name recognition issue by recognizing Macedonia s name, not only in bilateral relations, but also in all international organizations, such as the UN and NATO. Dear friends, as Canadian Macedonians we are honoured and pleased that thousands of Macedonians have chosen Canada as their country. We are part of the great multicultural mosaic that is Canada. We are proud to continually contribute towards keeping Canada the best and most liveable country in the World. Greece and Bulgaria, two of Macedonia s neighbours, ought to learn a lesson from Canada. Canadian multiculturalism is the world s first and most comprehensive official inclusive policy for all of its citizens. It assists with integration but also with language retention and pride of one s culture and heritage. That is why it is my pleasure and honour to present to you our friend, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. 29

30 Speech by the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Thank you. Thank you. Dobro vecher dame i gospoda. Reverand fathers, Ambassador, Consul General, Members of Parliament from Macedonia and Canada, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honour to be with you here tonight on this historic evening along with Canada s Prime Minister as we honour this 50 th anniversary of the United Macedonians Association of Canada. Chestito i za mnogu godini. Thank you in particular to Sveti Clement parish for having welcomed us here tonight and a broader thank you to the Macedonian Orthodox Church for all that it has done for this community. During the dark and difficult days of the communist oppression in Macedonia the Orthodox Church here in Canada and throughout the Diaspora provided a support for the community and support for those who dreamed one day of having a free, independent and democratic country and we acknowledge that leadership. This is indeed an historic night. 30

31 I m told that this is the second time only that a Canadian Prime Minister has visited the Macedonian Canadian community, the first time in two decades since a previous Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney visited the Macedonian Seniors Centre here in Toronto. And this is indeed a reflection of the esteem in which the government of Canada and Prime Minister Harper s government in particular holds this community, a community many of whose members came to this country seeking freedom, fleeing a country where there was no freedom. And you brought to this country your hopes and dreams and aspirations for your children and grandchildren that they could grow up in a free and democratic country and now we are delighted that Macedonia and all of the other former countries of communist east and central and southern Europe are free, democratic and independent nations. Tonight it s my real pleasure to introduce to you our country s leader and our Prime Minister, a man who has put Canada back on the map of the world stage as a champion of principles, freedom, democracy and human rights. He is also a man who has put Canada on the map as a champion of freedom, democracy and human rights and he is a man who is providing strong leadership to our country during these difficult and uncertain economic times. Before I introduce him I should also point out he has the good wisdom to have selected as one of his senior advisors on the economy a proud Canadian of Macedonian origin Jasmine Ignetsky. Jasmine stand up! And so friends please join with me in welcoming to the podium, in welcoming to Canada s Macedonian community Canada s leader, the Prime Minister of this country the Right Honourable Stephen Harper. 31

32 Speech by Canada s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper Thank you very much. Thank you very much everybody for that tremendous welcome. Merci beaucoup. I really do appreciate it. Thank you, as well Jason, for the kind introduction. Minister Kenney, as you know, is working every day overseeing Canada s immigration department and our multiculturalism policy and I know he is doing a tremendous job so let s all give him a big round of applause. I d like to say thank you to Dragi and to the entire United Macedonians Organization of Canada for inviting me to share briefly in this special evening. Greetings to my colleague, Member of Parliament, Paul Callendra, and also to our counterparts from the Ambassador, Consul General and the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia. Father Boseovski, honoured dignitaries, respected guests, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, as I say, thank you Dragi and the United Macedonians Organization of Canada for inviting me to share in this special night. For half a century, this Organization has worked to enrich the lives of Canadians of Macedonian descent, uniting your community and keeping alive your proud heritage and traditions. So it is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations on the occasion of this Organization s 50th anniversary. I should mention Dragi, this organization was founded two days before my birth. Since the early 19th century, Canada has been the home to a vibrant Macedonian Diaspora. Early immigrants left all they knew behind in search of a better life for their children and found both opportunity and prosperity on our shores. 32

33 And Canada, in turn, has been enriched by the contributions of Macedonian Canadians. As devoted family- and community-conscious neighbours, as enthusiastic participants in the democratic process, as hardworking entrepreneurs, dedicated and accomplished professionals, each and every day, Macedonian Canadians are helping to build a stronger, better country for all of us. Not to mention padding out the front lines of a few of NHL teams in the process! But seriously, ladies and gentlemen, the same values that guide community members here in Canada are also inspiring your friends and loved ones living in Macedonia. Since Macedonia declared its independence in 1991, the country has made great strides in democratic and economic progress. And although there have been, and will yet be, challenges, along the way, Macedonia is already proving itself an important member of the European family. I know that you will all keep a close watch, all of you, on developments in Macedonia, just as you continue to contribute each and every day to building a stronger Canada. One of our great strengths as Canadians is that we learn from our history; we are not enslaved by it. We put old arguments behind us and focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. And I know Macedonian-Canadians, through their hard work and commitment to community, will always be at the forefront of the effort to move this country forward. Once again, I want to thank the United Macedonians Organization of Canada for the opportunity to join you in tonight s celebration, and I wish you 50 more years of success! Thank you. Thank you very much. Merci beaucoup. Blagodaram. And before I leave the stage I want to present on behalf of all of you, I want to present Dragi with a certificate marking the 50 th anniversary of this organization s founding and all of its achievements here in Canada. 33

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36 Speech by William Jankovski Representative of the Macedonian Lions Hockey Team Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, Prime Minister I am honoured to have been asked today to present on behalf of the Canadian Macedonian hockey league a present to you Mr. Prime Minister but just a couple of facts. Our league has been around for over 30 years and now participates in the annual OMNI TV multicultural hockey tournament every Christmas. The Macedonian community has a very rich history, we ve been here for a hundred plus years with Macedonian immigrants coming in the 1890 s, seeking a better life from the oppression of the governments of Greece and Bulgaria and sadly this oppression continues today. Macedonians quickly adapted to Canada and became important contributors to the Canadian way of life. In terms of hockey in the 40 s and 50 s it was a Macedonian by the name of Tommy Ivan from Zhelevo who recruited and coached Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe and later Bobby Hull. Today many of the elite Canadian players in the NHL include Steve Staios in Edmonton Oilers, Ed Jovanovski in 36

37 Phoenix Coyotes, José Theodore in Washington Capitals, Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay Lightening, Mike Zigomanis in Pittsburg Penguins and Tom Kostopoulos in Montreal Canadians. Even more, two of these players Steven Stamkos and Ed Jovanovski were first overall picks in the world of the NHL. Also it must be noted that the most successful owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs in history was the late Steve Stavro. Now Mister Prime Minister I would like to invite you and make you an honourary member of our team, the Macedonian Lions Hockey Club. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was presented with a Macedonian Lions Hockey Club jersey with his name and the number 09 37

38 Greetings from the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski for the Gotse Delchev Night Dragi Stojkovski: The Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski planned to honour us with his presence tonight. Unfortunately, he was forced to choose between this event and a very important Euro-Atlantic conference in Munich. Keeping in mind Macedonia s desire to join NATO and the EU, we understand his decision to travel there. In fact, today the Macedonian Prime Minister met with Canadian defense minister Peter McKay at the 45th Munich Security Conference. It s been speculated that Peter McKay may be the new head of NATO. We hope that Mr. Mckay would support Macedonia s rightful place in NATO. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski sent us the following greeting: Your Excellency, Mr. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Distinguished representatives of the Canadian Government, Distinguished President of the United Macedonians organization, Mr. Dragi Stojkovski. Your Excellencies, 38

39 Brothers and sisters from the Macedonian Diaspora in Toronto and Canada, Please allow me in my personal name and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my greetings to all of you present tonight at the traditional solemn academy Goce s night and at the same time to congratulate you on the great jubilee, 50 years of the establishment of the United Macedonians organization. In this period when we are marking the 137 th anniversary of the birth of the Apostle of the Macedonian revolution Goce Delchev and the 50 th anniversary of the foundation of the United Macedonians organization, this all-macedonian gathering is taking place, being a proof of the strong and permanent tie of the Macedonian emigrants with their roots and their homeland, the Republic of Macedonia. It is precisely your long tradition that is evidence that, neither the distance, nor the many years of living and working in Canada, have separated the Macedonian emigrants from their identity, cultural tradition and customs. You have always been and remained the greatest ambassadors and promoters of the Republic of Macedonia and therefore, your integration and enhancement of the links with the birth country, by being involved in the reform, economic and political processes of the country holds special importance for the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. In this occasion, I would also like to extend regards to my colleague, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, as well as the other guests from the Government of Canada present at this solemn academy, and at the same time to convey my personal gratitude and the gratitude of the Macedonian people to the Prime Minister Harper and the state of Canada for the overall support this friendly country provides to us in the field of the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations, as well as for the recognition of our Constitutional name, the Republic of Macedonia. For a small country like ours, this support and friendship is of a great importance for us and we attach a special attention and priority to it. Canada is a country with which we had an excellent cooperation in the past period in many fields and good mutual relations, and I hope that in the forthcoming period we will have an opportunity with the Prime Minister Harper to exchange in person opinions towards further intensification and deepening of the relations and cooperation between our two countries. Conveying once more my regards to everybody present at this gathering, I would like to express my great respect and recognition to the members of the Macedonian Diaspora in Canada, for your persistence in the cherishing, developing and affirmation of the Macedonian national, cultural, linguistic and spiritual identity. It is one of the main pillars of the existence of the Macedonian nation and sovereignty of our country. I would like to congratulate you the jubilee of your organization and long live the tradition of holding such gatherings. Nikola GRUEVSKI President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia 39

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42 Counter-clockwise View of the Guests 42

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48 The First Dance (Oro) Led by the President of United Macedonians Stojkovski and Vice-President Bakalovski 48

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55 Reply Letter from Prime Minister s Office Regarding United Macedonians Campaign for Canada s Recognition of the Constitutional Name of the Republic of Macedonia 55

56 The United Macedonians Organization of Canada is the oldest and largest Macedonian national and cultural organization in the Diaspora. Founded on April 28, 1959, in Toronto, with the mission to promote unity and friendship among all Macedonians on this continent and elsewhere, regardless of their religious beliefs, political opinions or affiliations, the Organization was and remained a pillar in the fight against all foreign propagandas whose aim was and still is to achieve the demise of the Macedonians on the North-American continent and elsewhere. For more information visit our website or write to us at info@unitedmacedonians.org. Established 1959 Proudly Canadian Organizacijata Obedineti Makedonci vo Kanada e najstarata makedonska nacionalna i kulturna organizacija vo iseleni{tvoto. Osnovana 1959 godina, so cel da go unapreduva edinstvoto me u Makedoncite na kontinentot i {irum svetot, bez razlika na nivnata verska pripadnost ili politi~ko ubeduvawe. Organizacijata be{e i ostana sto`er vo borbata protiv site stranski propagandi koi se stremea i seu{te se stremat da gi odnarodat Makedoncite na Severno-amerikanskiot kontinent. Za pove}e podatoci, posetete n# na na{ata mre`na strana ili javete se na info@unitedmacedonians.org.