The Slovak Community has been an active part of Windsor and Essex County since the 1920s. It has grown with waves of immigration and has seen many changes. Slovaks organized themselves into church congregations, cultural groups, benefit societies, athletic teams, and other groups. The hall spaces provided by Slovak churches were used by these various organizations for a variety of activities.
As the Slovak Community in Windsor approaches 100 years, we remember that Slovaks have contributed to both our region and country in numerous ways. Slovaks and Slovak Canadians have locally achieved success in many professions, such as medicine, business, politics, agriculture, and education.
Today, we look towards the future with the same spirit of unity and progress. We aim to build a dedicated cultural center that will serve as a beacon for our community, a place where we can celebrate our heritage, foster connections, and ensure the legacy of Slovak traditions continues to thrive. Join us in honoring our past, embracing our present, and shaping a vibrant future for the Slovak community in Windsor and Essex County.
Local Slovaks also helped build cooperation among diverse ethnic groups, also through folk arts and festival activities, including the very popular and prestigious Carousel of The Nations.
Today, according to recent 2016 census information there are about 1,545 Slovaks living in the Windsor City and approximately 3,300 in Essex County area. Many more local Canadians might not identify as Slovaks but recognize that they share Slovak heritage, for example through a grandparent or by marriage.
Our new foundation (SHFWEC) was founded on March 19, 2018 as a non-profit organization and in June 2019 registered charity to further the cause of maintaining and sustaining a Slovak footprint within the community through promotion of a wide range of Slovak cultural events.
We seek to serve all Slovaks in Windsor-Essex and others who are interested in promoting the Slovak Heritage and Culture and we welcome all ages and genders to support our foundation. The primary goal of our new organization is to keep Slovaks and Canadians of Slovak descent in our region united, so that we can preserve our heritage, build up our community, and help one another.
The foundation has a steady and growing membership and is recruiting volunteers and supporters, as well as individuals who wish to make monetary donations to support our goal. At present, there is a president, secretary, and treasurer, who are part of a steering committee.
President
Secretary
Bookkeeper
Director
Director
Treasurer