27
Settlement of the community continued to come almost entirely from Icelandic immigrants until 1895. In 1895 many other ethnic groups began arriving in and around Gimli. Among the first to arrive in the region were the Ukrainian settlers.These hardy and industrious people had endured centuries of oppression in their homeland. In 1895, Dr. Josef Oleskow lobbied the Canadian government for information on Canada to explore the possibility of directing a mass migration of Ukrainian farmers to Canada.
A publication entitled, About Free Lands, was put out by a Ukrainian educational society giving favourable accounts of Canada.
When the first Ukrainian settlers began arriving the head of the house would often have to leave his family behind when he came to Canada and work for many years to earn enough money to send for them.
28
Ukrainian Easter eggs27 January 2006
Gimli, Manitoba
29
Ukrainian cross stitch shirt27 January 2006
Gimli, Manitoba
30
The Ukrainian people brought with them a rich tapestry of art and culture and their influence in the culinary history of Gimli is still widespread.Each homestead had a baked-clay oven for baking and the art of pottery making, both functional and decorative, was brought with them from their homeland.
The Ukrainian women were skilled with looms and would weave their own cloth. Multi-coloured cross-stitched patterns were added to decorate blouses, scarves, aprons, tablecloths and numerous other articles.
31
Excerpts on 'The Old Potter of Gimli'1927
Gimli, Manitoba
32
Paul Krezanski water jug1920
Gimli, Manitoba
33
Ukrainian altar cloth1930
Gimli, Manitoba
34
Besides the tapestry of cultural features of food, design, clothing and customs another important aspect of the new settlers was a new set of religious traditions added to the existing mix.35
Ukrainian bible brought by the early settlers.1900
Gimli, Manitoba
36
By the early 1900s the community of Gimli had established itself as a thriving rural community with a diverse cultural and economic life. |
 |
 |
 |