The Polish community in Alberta was built from a century of
immigration and shaped by hard work, perseverance, integration and
a commitment to cultural traditions. While there are numerous
aspects that constitute this vital component of Alberta's Slavic
heritage, it can be viewed within a framework of three main waves
of immigration that extend back to the turn of the 20th century.
While each generation has worked together to create the overall
make-up of Alberta's vibrant Polish community, each also
represents a distinctive group of people that differed markedly in
social and economic status as well as in motivations, priorities
and ambitions. Each has contributed in unique ways, and has left
their own legacy for future generations.
The First Settlements
Although Poles had been present in Western Canada as far back as
the early years of the19th century, the first homesteaders arrived
in what is now Alberta at the turn of the 20th century. Enticed by
the new
immigration policy aimed at settling the Canadian prairies
with farmers who could survive and work within the challenging
realities of the wilderness, these first Polish arrivals were
similar to other Eastern European immigrants-they were generally
from a peasant background, having little formal education and from
impoverished agricultural areas and small villages. They often
sold all that they had to leave the only home they had ever known
to settle in rural Alberta.
Seeking the economic and social opportunities afforded by land
ownership, the lives of these early pioneers were difficult. Faced
with harsh conditions, strange customs and hampered by language
barriers, this first generation of Polish Albertans quickly
established a network of mutual aid. With other Polish and
Ukrainian immigrants they shared their homes, knowledge and
farming equipment. Undoubtedly bolstered by this support system,
22 Polish communities in Alberta developed between 1890 and 1920,
firmly planting the seeds for a second generation.
Importance of the Church
For the early Polish pioneers, the Roman Catholic Church was a
religious, social and cultural centre. In their small communities
scattered throughout central Alberta, it was a stabilizing element
amidst great change and challenge. It was also the first social
institution that the immigrant communities established, initially
in log shacks and cabins and later in chapels and churches. The
Polish missionary priests were highly valued and in great
demand-not only did they provide religious guidance, but also
offered advice on family matters, education and agriculture,
served as translators and mediated between the immigrants and
Canadian authorities.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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