The concept of a Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month was first proposed by the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society, the Polish cultural organization for Cape Breton. The Society was established in Sydney in 1909 and is one of Canada’s oldest Polish organizations.
Through the Atlantic Canada District of the Canadian Polish Congress, the Polish community across Nova Scotia came together to support the idea.
Cape Breton University professor Tom Urbaniak, president of the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society and of the Atlantic District of the CPC, worked with the Honourable Derek Mombourquette, MLA, to draft the resolution.
On October 2, 2019, Minister Mombourquette introduced the resolution in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly with all-party support. It was passed unanimously. Every September is now designated as Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month.
Organizations, schools, libraries, and businesses across the province participated in the first Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month – September 2020.
