On the evening of March 4th, Los Altos Institute will be holding its first banquet dinner to celebrate some important milestones and honour a fallen comrade.
Michael at his last LAI event in 2020.
Michael Parasiuk (1970-2020) was an activist and public servant who played important roles in the Ukrainian diasporic community and in socialist organizing, as an activist and thinker. He served in a number of formal roles in the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians both nationally and locally and organized for NDP campaigns in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, the last of which was Bowinn Ma’s successful campaign of 2017. He is best known for his important work as a public servant in organizing and adjudicating the compensation process for residential school survivors.
In honour of his work in building Los Altos from 2016-20, we have named an award/credential for him. Beginning this year, we will recognize one or more Michael Parasiuk scholars, members of our institute who have completed courses, intensives and/or reading group programs equivalent to an Associate of Arts diploma.
At our first gathering, we will honoured Margaret Byrne, long-time socialist activist, as the first Michael Parasiuk Scholar. The award was presented to her by Michael’s widow, Kathy and his parents, Wilson and Wilma. The presentation took place at the private—but very spacious—residence of Institute supporter Rebecca Smith in Cloverdale with a Ukrainian family-style feast by our chef of record, Dan Jenneson.
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- Margaret accepts her award
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- Magaret accepts her award
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- Wilson Parasiuk speaks about his son
