The group “Harnasie” has been active for over 45 years in Canada and is affiliated to the Polish
Highlanders Association in Canada to preserve the cultural heritage of the Polish immigrants and their
descendants, who were born overseas. The group members believe that the spirit of Podhale lives in
music, songs and dance. The highlanders’ traditions are as vibrant in Canada, as they are among the
highlanders in Podhale. The leaders, Dorota Leja and Maciej Leja try to maintain the authenticity of
the dances, songs, dialect and costumes. They pay special attention to the younger generation of
highlanders in hopes of preserving the transfer of highlanders’ freedom “Sleboda” and the pride they have
inherited from their fathers. Never-the-less most important to them is to promote the highlander culture
and traditions to the Polish-Canadian community and the multicultural Canadian society.
