A former South Hill student who spent decades building international solidarity movements, advocating for social justice, and amplifying unheard voices through community radio has become the newest addition to the Riverview Collegiate Institute (RVCI) Wall of Honour.

Don Kossick, a 1964 graduate of RVCI, was formally inducted during a ceremony held May 15 inside the school’s gym, where family, friends, alumni, staff, and former Moose Jaw mayor Don Mitchell gathered to celebrate a lifetime of activism and civic engagement.

Kossick, an activist, broadcaster, documentarian, and recipient of the Order of Canada, was recognized for decades of work in human rights, social justice, environmental protection, refugee support, labour organizing, and international development.

His plaque, now displayed in the school’s front lobby alongside Dr. Schick, John Konihowski, Lorne Calvert, Scott Schultz, and Hannah Yuke, describes him as “a model of civic engagement” whose work has had “a global impact through several international projects, from Mozambique to Papua New Guinea.”

The ceremony also served as a reflection on the values that shaped generations of RVCI students.

“This wall of honour was always meant to be about more than celebrating accomplishments,” principal Deana Kempel told attendees. “It was created to inspire students walking these halls every day.”

She said the school hopes students will see in alumni “that greatness can begin right here in the same classrooms, the same gymnasium, and the same South Hill community they call home.”

The Wall of Honour was established in 2005 after former principal Blair Lee saw similar alumni recognition projects at other schools. Staff members Brenda Babbage and Colleen Patterson helped launch the initiative to celebrate RVCI graduates who made meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.

Bob Symenuk, chair of the Riverview Alumni Association and a former teacher and student at the school, spoke about Kossick’s lifelong dedication to activism and community organizing.

“The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest honours,” Symenuk said. “It recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the country.”

Symenuk traced Kossick’s path from his upbringing on South Hill to his later work with organizations including the National Farmers Union, Saskatchewan co-operatives, and international development projects in Mozambique beginning in the early 1980s.

While working overseas through CUSO, formerly the Canadian University Service Overseas, Kossick became deeply involved in projects supporting sanitation, food co-operatives, women’s equality, and community health. He also became active in anti-apartheid organizing after witnessing apartheid-era South Africa’s destabilization efforts in neighbouring Mozambique.

Over the years, Kossick produced documentaries focused on labour and social justice movements while also hosting “Making the Links,” a long-running Saskatoon community radio program centred on public affairs and grassroots issues.

During his remarks, Kossick repeatedly returned to the importance of collective action, community identity, and cultural belonging.

“Community builds community,” he said. “It builds us all.”

Kossick spoke emotionally about growing up in Moose Jaw’s Ukrainian community and the influence of a gathering place known locally as “The Hall,” where generations gathered for dancing, storytelling, organizing, and mutual support.

“As a child standing on the floor of the hall while people swirled around me dancing waltzes (and) polkas … I still remember the warmth, friendliness, and sense of belonging,” Kossick said. “Having … a community like that teaches you something. It brings people together instead of splitting them apart. The hall was a place of belonging.”

Those experiences shaped his lifelong belief in solidarity and social justice.

“We have a lot of energy, a lot of ideas, and we can make this world a better place,” Kossick said.

Symenuk noted that Kossick’s decades-long consistency as an activist and broadcaster made him a fitting choice for the honour.

“He’s maintained that commitment to activism throughout his life,” Symenuk said. “It’s something that’s so desperately needed in our communities these days.”

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express