Polish National Unity (PJN)
Polish National Unity (Polska Jedność Narodowa – PJN) was established on March 8, 2015 and joined the Canadian Polish Congress in Ottawa in 2016. It was created as a platform for cooperation among the Polish community in Canada and abroad, with a particular focus on engaging second- and third-generation Polish Canadians. Over time, PJN has evolved into an organization promoting integration, collaboration, and contemporary Polish-Canadian identity in response to modern Canadian realities and needs.
Mission and Media Initiatives
A core objective of PJN is to develop modern media platforms and open forums for the exchange of ideas, the promotion of Polish-Canadian cultural heritage, and the collection and curation of the history of the Polish diaspora and its current challenges. As part of this mission, PJN has supported the creation of TV interPolonia, an initiative launched by members of the Polish community in Alberta and Ontario to establish a Polish-Canadian media centre. TV interPolonia operates under the Canadian public-benefit organization Oskar Halecki Institute in Canada.
Meetings of Interested People
To advance its mission, PJN organized a series of public and semi-public gatherings under the umbrella initiative "Meetings of Interested People." These events created space for thoughtful discussion, cultural exchange, and intergenerational learning within the Polish-Canadian community.
March 20, 2015 – Piotr Jakubiak
Promotion of the book "Nie chcemy komuny" ("We Do Not Want Communism"), held in Poland, Ontario, at the Gajewski family home.
May 2015 – Stanisław Kielar
"The Microphone – Friend or Foe?" A practical lecture for public speakers on effective microphone use and clarity of sound, hosted at the Kielar family home.
August 30, 2015 – Piotr Koprowski
Meeting with composer Piotr Koprowski, a contemporary symphonic composer and resident composer of Canada's National Arts Centre, hosted by the Zaborowski family.
November 22, 2015 – Jacek Szymański
"Nuclear Power Plants," a lecture on how nuclear energy works, its environmental aspects, and the economic advantages of nuclear energy in Canada, held at the Kielar family home.
March 6, 2016 – Piotr Jakubiak
"The Charge at Rokitna," a historical presentation on the famous cavalry charge of the Polish Legions during World War I, hosted by the Danielak family.
May 5, 2018 – Ambassador of Georgia
Meeting with H.E. S. Kavernadze, Ambassador of Georgia, recalling his diplomatic service in Warsaw and a joint visit with President Lech Kaczyński to Georgia during the Russian invasion.
Community and Cultural Events
PJN also initiated and co-organized a variety of community and cultural events that strengthened Polish identity and civic engagement in Ottawa and beyond.
November 9, 2019 – Polish Independence Day Academy
Academy celebrating Polish Independence Day at the Polish Combatants' Hall (SPK Dom Polski), organized by PJN and prepared and hosted by Elżbieta Gajewska.
June 4, 2017 – Nepean Day
Participation in Nepean Day, featuring a PJN information and patriotic display tent.
December 19, 2015 – Christmas Carol Evening
Traditional Christmas carol evening hosted at the Zaborowski family home.
Other PJN Community Initiatives
Earlier PJN-linked activities included "Farewell to Summer" gatherings in Cantley, exhibitions such as "Polski Plakat Teatralny" at Shenkman Arts Centre, and Masses and academies commemorating Katyn and Smolensk.
Public Engagement and Advocacy
PJN and its members have been active in public debates concerning Poland's image abroad, media representations of Polish history, and the defence of Poland's good name. This included coordinated letter campaigns to Canadian media, open letters challenging biased coverage, and appeals for broad community participation in responding to anti-Polish narratives.
These efforts encouraged Polish Canadians to send endorsements and comments to editors, distribute information widely among friends and networks, and help shape a more accurate understanding of Poland's contemporary politics and historical experiences.
Cooperation and Vision
PJN developed its work in close dialogue with other Polish organizations, especially within the framework of the Canadian Polish Congress in Ottawa. Formal membership required statutes, registration, a description of local activities, and member lists, reflecting PJN's commitment to transparent governance and accountable representation.
At the same time, PJN emphasized shared management, joint flagship programs such as "Klub Ciekawego Człowieka," "Nic bez nas," and "Rozmowy po Polsku," improved communication strategies, and a consensus-based style of decision-making rooted in respect, trust, and mutual support.
Klub Ciekawego Człowieka
One of PJN's most popular and needed initiatives has been the "Klub Ciekawego Człowieka" (Curious Person's Club), which hosted guests from diverse Canadian and Polish backgrounds. Meetings featured opera singers, human rights advocates, church leaders, and other distinguished individuals, offering the community a space for dialogue, inspiration, and shared reflection.
The club also partnered with national-level figures and campaigns, such as visits by representatives of the Polish Senate and support for initiatives like "Polak z Sercem," aimed at helping Polish communities in the East.
