2026 inductees

Boris grew up in the Roblin/Grandview area of Manitoba. He started playing the fiddle at the age of 10 and by the age of 13, Boris played his first dance. In 1959, Boris and his father, Bill, started their own band called The Melody Kings. The musical legacy has been passed down to another generation, as the band includes Boris's daughter, Pamela.

Boris has recorded 8 albums, comprising 13 of his original compositions. His music is regularly featured on radio stations across Western Canada. Throughout his vast career, Boris has performed in more than 800 dance halls and venues.

Boris has competed in countless fiddle contests, taking him throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He has more than 80 awards to show for his efforts.

Boris has been recognized by the Ukrainian Musicians Association for his contributions to Ukrainian Canadian music, including 2 Honorable Achievement Awards, a Legendary Achievement Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legend of Ukrainian Music Award. He has also been acknowledged as a Lifetime Member of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival.

A true legend, Boris remains active in the Ukrainian and old-time musical communities. His true talent and passion for music will be an everlasting mark for generations to come.

Mike began his fiddling career in 1930 at the young age of 11 in the Arbakka farming area. He persevered on his own and learned tunes by ear, listening to his family's crystal set and other fiddlers at the Arbakka Hall.

Word spread that young Mike was quite the fiddler and by age 12 he was playing at house parties. At 15, Mike found guitar and accordion players and his 3-piece band "Mike & the Boys" was formed. The band became a fixture in the wedding and Saturday night dance circuit throughout not only southeast Manitoba but parts of Ontario and North Dakota as well.

In the early 1970s the name of Mike's band was changed to "The Melody Makers" and could be heard at numerous events in areas northeast and east of Winnipeg also.

Besides entertaining, Mike and his wife Nellie operated the Kostynyk General Store in Sundown for 40 years and he also worked as a logger for Manitoba Hydro, a grass cutter for Highways Department and switchboard operator for MTS.

At age 77, Mike began handcrafting fiddles — 30 of them in total, each one made up of over 70 pieces and taking at least 600 hours to complete. Mike continued to make beautiful music until 2011 when, at age 92, he suffered a stroke and was no longer able to hold his fiddle. He passed away a year later.

Vichnaya Pamyat'

William Delorme started playing fiddle when he was 9 years old and continued until his death at 93. He played for many dances and won at many fiddling contests. He was very proud of the Delorme Orchestra, a group he put together with his relatives.

He was friends with Don Messer, who recorded Bill's original compositions such as The Pilot Mound Waltz, The Crystal City Reel, and The Waltz of the Roses. A favourite of his originals amongst many fiddlers is 3 Men on a White Horse.

"Ode to Bill Delorme" by Stew Clayton is a tribute tune honouring Bill Delorme, an influential fiddler in the Métis and prairie fiddle tradition.

Daria Watkin is a prominent musician and music educator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, recognized for her dedication to music and cultural heritage. In 1993, she established the Watkin School of Music and Dance, fostering a community centred on artistic growth.

She is also the founder and director of Western Canada's Clear Lake Fiddle Camp, Manitoba's longest-running fiddle camp, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2026.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Watkin firmly believes in teaching musical excellence, providing high-level instruction in fiddle, guitar, piano, and voice for students of all ages.

Beyond her private studio and camp, she teaches for the Frontier School Division, bringing music education to diverse communities. Many of her students have gone on to study music at various universities and continue to share their talents across the country.

Daria's commitment to quality instruction is reflected in her teaching philosophy: "Teaching the gift of music with excellence is a legacy that spans generations."