The Polishness of the Canadian Kashubs

Abstract

The emigration of Pomeranian Kashubs to the neighbourhood of Canadian localities: Wilno, Barry’s Bay and Round Lake Centre began in 1859. It is thought that in 1887 about 200 families lived in these areas. The first Polish chapel was consecrated in 1876. Today in the above mentioned localities there exist three Polish parishes.

In Canadian Kashubs there remained numerous vestiges of Polish national culture. Among them most precious are old cemeteries with wooden crosses and Polish inscriptions. In 1959 the Canadian authorities had officially confirmed the name „Kashubs”. There exist here a scout center for the Canadians of Polish extraction. The parochial archieves in Wilno, Brudenell, Barry’s Bay, Round Lake Centre, Killaloe and Combermere witness also to the nationality of,the first pionners. Polish inscriptions are found on many shops as well as names of the founders under stations of the Cross or stained glasses. A great contribution to maintaining of the Polish language was due to priests. This is evident in many ceremonies and religious festivities.