A local advocate of all things Kashubian is a multiple award winner at the 45th Annual Canadian Ethnic Media Association Awards for Journalistic Excellence.
David Martin Shulist was recognized at the 2023 event which took place at The Papermill Theatre in Toronto last Saturday (November 25th), where he claimed the association’s Sierhey Khmara Ziniak Lifetime Achievement Award for his service in several categories: Journalism/Print; Under Journalism/Podcast; Multiculturalism and Community Engagement.
Shulist says the presenting organization’s founder has Belorussian roots.
David Martin Shulist a fifth generation Kashubian Canadian from Wilno, is a tireless advocate of his language, culture and identity; as distinguished from the common perception that the area was settled in 1858 from those whose roots were Polish.
(“Prussia” is of course part of today’s Germany).
Shulist sees parallels with fellow Slavs in modern day Ukraine, who are struggling to preserve their identity in the face of oppression.
He’s a podcast producer (of the Johnny Kashub Show) and among community accomplishments are his roles as Founding Commissioner of the Opeongo Heritage Hockey Tournament in Barry’s Bay Ontario, the Nations Cup of Curling and Multicultural Golf Tournament in Killaloe, and the Kashub Heritage Park in Wilno.
Congratulations to David Shulist on the national recognition, and continued success on a personal journey that is tuning up Valley neighbours to the cultural realities of his unique community.
By Rick Stow