Description :

Doukhobors immigrated to Canada from Russia at the end of the 19th century when the Canadian government was eager to find capable farmers to populate the prairies. Throughout their Russian experience, Doukhobors often met persecution and oppression from Russian state and church officials due to their religious beliefs, which rejected the traditional constructs of the Russian Orthodox Church while emphasizing simplicity, peace, and non-violence.

In Canada, the Canadian government provided the Doukhobors with free farmland in present-day Saskatchewan. Whereas Canada’s government assumed that new immigrants would eventually accept Anglo-Canadian values and norms, like the English language and individualism, Doukhobors had no intention of giving up their religious and cultural identity. Like many new immigrants, they faced the challenge of adapting to life in a new country.

During the 20th century, internal divisions amongst Doukhobors in Canada grew and challenges continued. Yet Doukhobors persisted and not only contributed to Canadian nation building but have continued to maintain their cultural and religious identity into the 21st century.

Ryan Dutchak is the Director of Museum and Culture at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre (DDC) in Castlegar.

Register by:  Thurs. Mar. 14

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