It was the Fall of 1968 and John N Postnikoff called in to our Millwork Plant (Verigin Industries Ltd) at Bear Creek (near Trail, B.C.). He was an amicable person and involved in the Doukhobor Society of Canada (DSC).
“We are having an annual convention at Tarrys and would you be interested in attending?” he invited after a philosophical discourse on where the Doukhobor way of life had transpired after sixty-nine years in Canada.
I had not participated in Doukhobor Meetings since my days in the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth in 1963 and was lonesome to at least meet people from my heritage and so Marilyn and I attended.
What I noticed, immediately, was the lack of people my age and younger in attendance. This led to my question to the assembly, “where are all the Youth?”
There ensued an interesting debate which resulted in a challenge from John J. Verigin, Honorary Chair of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) who was attending as a guest. “Can you go and find them and have them tell us why they are not here”, he ended after a long and philosophical statement on that subject.
1. Organization of a Youth Conference
With the assistance of Jim Laktin, a USCC youth member, Elmer Verigin made contact with:
1. Vancouver Doukhobor Youth
2. Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth
3. Calgary Youth
4. Veregin Doukhobor Society
We travelled and met with all these organizations and promoted an April 1969 date for a Convention in Tarrys, B.C.
Representatives of all these organizations met and agreed to continue with efforts to organize the youth into one group. An initial National executive was selected with the idea of meeting again within a year.
Two other yearly conferences followed.
2. Castlegar Discussion Group
In the winter of 1969, promotional work started to form a youth group in the Castlegar area. A list of subjects were formulated and placed unto a chart. Interested people gathered and discussed these subjects, all of which were of interest to Doukhobor Youth. Meetings were hosted in various homes on a volunteered basis.
This resulted in dissemination of information to friends and acquaintances that eventually resulted in attendance of about thirty people.
Many became volunteers in organizing the first Youth Conference at Tarrys Hall near Castlegar, B.C., as well as providing catering and other services for the conference.
3. DYNEC (Doukhobor Youth National Executive Council)
This was a result of the conventions and what the youth had legislated. Implementation was undertaken by travelling the provinces to encourage membership. It was reported that costs were high and it became difficult for the Council to self-finance this effort.
The effort was subsequently abandoned as the youth interest could not be solidified.
4. Castlegar Doukhobor Youth (CDY)
The Castlegar Discussion Group became the first organized group as a result of the Youth Conventions that strived to begin a process of similar organizations in other communities. The Vancouver Doukhobor Youth continued operations. It was not clear if the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth ever took a formal position in this process.
The CDY continued to function as a continuance of the Castlegar Discussion Group.
5. Formation of the (DCA) Doukhobor Cultural Association
The DCA was the eventual result of the CDY when it became apparent that the membership was maturing and could not continue with the designation as “youth”.
Some of the challenges and criticisms came from the existing parent organizations:
• Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC)
• Sons of Freedom (SoF)
• Canadian Doukhobor Society (CDS)
The critics alleged that no youth organization had actually resulted but a new society was being promoted, This was not the collective opinion nor intent of those who participated in the DCA. The members were a surprisingly even distribution that somehow came about from the three (3) parent groups.
It was agreed that this may be a wonderful opportunity to determine where the differing philosophies could be melted into a functioning group.
Was it possible that a form of unification did take place? This a subject that will require a separate research and not the intent of this writing.
The use of “Association” in the name was to identify that the DCA was not a separate society by definition but merely a gathering of interested Doukhobors from similar cultural heritage. So the name Doukhobor Cultural Association came into being.
Minutes of every meeting were recorded and exist to this day.
6. Education in Association and Social Skills
We realized that most of us that gathered together had difficulty in communicating with each other in meeting skills such as:
1. Chairing meetings
2. Preparing for meetings
3. Presenting ideas
4. Parliamentary procedures
5. Listening to each other
6. Respecting another’s opinion
7. Every member had a right to speak no matter of gender and age
8. Other
We agreed to obtain professional help to alleviate these deficiencies that may have come from our background culture. We needed to change if we were to be successful as a group.
We approached Selkirk College and two Professors accepted the challenge at a reduced fees in evening sessions. We practised parliamentary procedures in mock meetings as well as listening. Learning how to include everyone in a discussion. The result was that we understood that even the meekest have something to say and we needed to hear.
So we practiced that every member would serve a term on each of the four Executive positions and that an Executive Committee, consisting of the four executive and one other member, would be responsible for planning and calling meetings every two weeks. The executive would be elected and serve yearly terms.
We met in each home so that we could learn more about each other as well as enjoy our collective hospitality. Friendship and compatibility became a natural result of all these actions.
7. Pursuit of Research in the Doukhobor Culture
Perhaps it was not accidental that all three (3) of the Doukhobor parent groups were represented in the DCA and this encouraged us to learn more about what had separated our parents in the first instance. By understanding the differences, we could better apply that which would unite us.
The DCA organized speakers on many subjects of Doukhobor history and spiritual understanding from each Group. We interviewed John J Verigin Sr from the USCC as well as Stephan Sorokin from the Sons of Freedom several times. It was during these informative sessions that we were accused of being “messengers” to the other group, in a negative way and these meetings ceased to be available to us.
The more we learned about each other the more we realized that there were little to no differences. We took advantage of the similarities and began to have social functions together. We understood that if we could play together, then it would result in better ability to work together in harmony.
We extended this to organizing opportunities for the public to participate in a Doukhobor Sports Day at South Slocan where some unconventional events were planned such as:
• Tug of Peace
• Women’s Plow Pulling Contest
• Women’s Hollering Contest
• Sunflower Spitting Contest
• Ball Games
• Peace Burgers
• “Sergio” Fried Potatoes
• “Pass Creek” Salad
• Nailing Contest
• Log Sawing Contest
• Three legged races
• Tandem grass skiing
• Slippery pole climbing
• Children’s Races
• Evening Programs with musical instruments and singing in both languages
This proved to be popular and Doukhobors attended from all the Groups and were able to socialize in a neutral environment.
This continued until we could not handle the intensive workload with age. There was no one to take over and the successful event ceased.
8. Community Living Research using Champion Creek as a site and model
The idea of determining why a communal living model would not be something that perhaps could become a reality since this was the model that was brought to Canada in 1899. Also many of the members had actually experienced communal living in their youth.
Pete Oglow had personally held the Champion Creek property (about 1,000 acres) when Judge Evans was made responsible to redistribute the lands seized in bankruptcy in 1940. Pete undertook this responsibility as a favor to JJ Verigin Sr. so that this land would not leave Doukhobor hands and be preserved for future Doukhobor use.
Pete talked to John and it was agreed that using the Champion Creek property (formally the CCUB settlement of Blahadatniya) as a model for such an effort would be acceptable and that DCA was an approved group to conduct such a research project.
The DCA finally had a real challenge to exercise their collective skills as the human resource base that included:
• Carpenters
• Machinists
• Loggers
• Teachers
• Masseurs
• Trucking Executives
• Electricians
• Stenographers
• Engineers
• Contractors
• Writers
• Salespeople
• Care Workers
• Berry Farmers
• Mechanics
• Welders
• Tinsmiths
• School Maintenance Supervisors
• Financial Advisors
The project was eagerly accepted and the research began. It is important to note that the DCA at no time thought that they would be candidates to actually live in the resulting community as this was an “assignment” so to speak.
Maps were accessed, groundwork covered and sketches of the proposal unfolded that included:
1. Egg production
2. Dairy production
3. Gardens to commercially produce
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Other vegetables
4. Pickling production
5. Contact was made with the Ministry of Agriculture in Creston for advice
6. Discussions with Ministry Of Highways for Road access
7. Seniors housing
8. Economic Housing units for small families
9. Wood working plants to manufacture millwork
10. Fresh water was available from Champion Creek for:
Irrigation
Domestic Use
Fire Protection
Possible Water Energy for a Power Dam to produce Electricity
11. Much more which can be read in the report
A report was generated and submitted to the USCC Directors for review and comment.
A short while later, two USCC Directors personally met with the DCA and reported that the Directors had rejected the proposal and that the USCC Youth would undertake their own project.
It was later determined that there was never a record in the minutes of a USCC Directors meetings, where that subject had been discussed and decided.
This was a serious disappointment for JJ Verigin Sr and Pete Oglow but the DCA used this experience in later applications.
9. Participation in the construction of a historic Doukhobor Village in Ooteschinia
Members of the DCA took an active part on the executive and directorship of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society (KDHS) in the challenging process to build a duplicate of the original villages that were constructed in British Columbia starting 1909 with the migration of Doukhobors from Saskatchewan.
This involved countless hours of investigation of remaining villages, drawing plans and physical work in building as well as preparation of exhibits.
10. Construction of a Banya at the Doukhobor Village
In response to a plea from the first Curator at the Doukhobor Village, Peter Legebokoff, that the construction of the Banya be expedited so that he may utilize it as that was a tradition for him. The DCA agreed to undertake this project. It was anticipated that this would be a good test for the DCA members to determine how well they could work together.
It was challenging in that translating a good idea into practice always takes commitment. At that time most of the members worked at day jobs so this had to be scheduled on weekends. With small families, this is also difficult as family needs would take precedent.
The Banya was completed and watching Peter Legebokoff have his inaugural “banya” and sprinkling Ucalyptus Oil for aroma, was a sight to behold.
It was very rewarding and payment enough for the sacrifices taken.
11. Participation in the construction of the first Seniors Project, Parkside Villa, at Grand Forks, B.C., with the Doukhobor Benevolent Society (DBS)
This was a partial involvement for the DCA as some members became part of the construction and development in an advisory capacity.
12. Development of Rosewood Manor, the second Doukhobor Seniors Project in Castlegar, B.C. with the Doukhobor Benevolent Society
An invitation was extended by the DBS that a much needed seniors project be undertaken by the DCA in Castlegar. The challenge was accepted and the DCA took educational tours of seniors housing projects in the Okanagan to be get a perspective of the possibilities.
This project involved negotiations for land with the USCC where the former Castlegar Hall was located. It also meant preparation of applications to BC Housing to obtain funding.
All came together successfully and the project was built using a Design / Build tender process that resulted in Tri-City Contractors from Kamloops building the 20 unit project.
The DCA met in the Assembly Room during the time of operation. Rotating host members would be responsible to preparing refreshments, desserts and cleaning up after.
Christmas parties, complete with food and entertainment became an annual event that the DCA enjoyed with the Tenants. About 50% of the Tenants came from Doukhobor backgrounds.
Complete operations of Rosewood Manor were the responsibility of the DCA. After 25 years of operation, the mortgages paid, the DCA presented to project to BC Housing who now continue to operate Rosewood Manor to this day.
13. Development of White Birch Manor, the third Doukhobor Seniors Project in Delta, B.C. with the Lower Mainland Doukhobor Benevolent Society (LMDBS)
Some DCA members became involved in projects in the Lower Mainland. Along with many Doukhobors that were also residing in the Lower Mainland, the LMDBS was incorporated after an idea that perhaps a seniors project could be developed using a Developer, that would combine land acquisition, design, application to BC Housing and construction.
So a 48 unit development became a reality on the corner of 80th Avenue and 120th Street in Delta, B.C.
This facility is still being operated by two DCA members and their extended family and friends.
14. Incorporation of the Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society
In 1981 a property acquisition opportunity came forward and the DCA decided to accept that challenge and incorporated a Society to do that. (See Elmer Verigin blog for “Miracle at Whatshan Lake” for more details).
Most of the DCA members became immediate members joined this society with others joining at a later date.
The society name was changed to Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 in the process of qualifying for charitable tax number. Society Director, John J Verigin Jr. recommended that #1999 be added to record and date the centennial project, Whatshan Lake Retreat.
15. Development of the Whatshan Lake Retreat
In 1993 a development project was initiated. (See Elmer Verigin blog for “Miracle at Whatshan Lake” for more details).
The majority of the DCA members donated, funds, equipment, labor and expertise to this successful project.
The project was substantially completed in 2005 with continuing infrastructure additions taking place as this article is written
16. Incorporation of the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative (KSSHC)
With substantial completion of the Whatshan project, many DCA members suggested that a seniors project be undertaken that could be utilized by members as well as others. The observation was that there was a strong need for seniors housing and so why not make use of the collective expertise and undertake this project.
From 2002 to 2005, a great deal of research took place. (See a separate article “A Chronicle on the Grandview Story). The DCA underwrote the feasibility study and financed same with approximately $50,000, paying for consultants and architects.
In September seven (7) DCA members signed the application to incorporate the KCSHC in September 2005. Seventeen (17) members took out the first memberships in the Cooperative.
The executives and committees that were responsible for construction and development were partially staffed by DCA members.
17. Construction of Grandview Housing
Eight (8) DCA families purchased bungalows and duplexes in the resulting project and live there today.
It was determined that the trust and compatibility that was extended to the public from the original 17 DCA members families to the total 289 members did not always reciprocate.
There are challenges that still exist at the project today and the seniors care project remains undeveloped.
18. Benevolent Donations achieved
Peter Dergousoff researched the DCA files in 2010 and listed the following donations from 1973 to 2008:
1. Amnesty International – $500
2. Andy Davidoff – $80
3. Andy Savinkoff – $50
4. Anna Markova – $100
5. Anthropology 202 and 203 Doukhobor studies – $240
6. Brilliant Cultural Centre $1,750
7. Brilliant Ladies – $250
8. Canadian Red Cross – $2,850
9. Castlegar and District Community Society – $1,150
10. Castlegar and District Hospital Foundation – $350
11. Castlegar Hospice Society – $4,400
12. Castlegar Extended Care – $150
13. Cat Scanner Fund – $450
14. Columbian Family to Canada – $200
15. Community Harvest Food Bank – $800
16. DHRS (Fred Voykin Memorial Donation) – $380
17. DHRS #1999 – $17,365
18. Dr Endicott Home – $275
19. Eli Popoff – $10
20. Eli Vetrov – $50
21. Fellowship of Reconciliation – $100
22. Foster Parents Plan – $576
23. Freedom Quest – $1,400
24. Friends of Tolstoy – $50
25. Guatemala – $100
26. Harvest Food Bank – $1,200
27. International Doukhobor Symposium – $200
28. Iskra – $2,810
29. Jeen Jones – $125
30. John Munday – $300
31. JJ Verigin Sr. -$100
32. Judith Moser – $125
33. Kathy Voykin – $200
34. Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society – $700
35. Kootenay Community Living – $100
36. Kootenay Mens Group – $100
37. Kootenay Society for Handicapped Children – $475
38. Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion – $200
39. Mike M Verigin – $200
40. MIR – $1,250
41. Mir Peace Centre – $300
42. Mountainview Lodge – $125
43. Nelson United Church (Refugee Family) – $100
44. New Profile (Armenian Kisch-Kroon) – $100
45. Operation Dismantle – $275
46. Osoyoss Baptist Church – $200
47. Outreach (Kenya) – $500
48. Paul Koodrin – $ (need info from DCA)
49. Peter Legebokoff Fund – $400
50. Raspberry Lodge – $50
51. Rosewood Manor – $1,235.20
52. Salvation Army – $1,250
53. School District #9 (Immersion Program) – $200
54. Search and Rescue – $125
55. Selkirk College – $1,150
56. Seniors SOS – $1,000
57. Sexual Abuse Victims Anonymous – $100
58. Sharing Pot Kitchen – $100
59. Shirley Harasemow – $199
60. Silver Birch School – $50
61. South Slocan Sports Association – $380.44
62. Stanley Humphries High School – $1,500
63. Stone Soup – $700
64. Tammy Horkoff – $200
65. Tools of Peace (Oxfam) – $199.62
66. USCC Armenian Earthquake Fund – $200
67. USCC Champion Creek Water System – $200
68. USCC Cultural Interpretive Society – $200
69. USCC 4 Working Groups – $225
70. USCC Reconstruction Fund – $500
71. USCC Russian Immersion – $100
72. USCC Youth Choir – $150
73. Village Bistro – $400
74. Voices of Peace Concert Tour – $ (need info from DCA)
75. War Child – $100
76. WINS – $100
77. World Law Foundation – $100
78. Total $54,425.26
19. Current Association Membership
The members that attend meetings and social events as of 2015 are as follows:
1. Pat and Mary Picton
2. Phillip and Molly Konkin
3. Lawrence and Kathy Popoff
4. Moses and Ann Zibin
5. Bill (deceased) and Betty Zarikoff
6. Peter and Elsie Rezansoff
7. Bill and Mary Plotnikoff
8. Fred and Ann Chursinoff
9. Bill and Natalie Voykin
10. Joe and Shirley Podovinikoff
11. Nick (deceased) and Nellie Keraiff
12. Peter and Dorothy Dergousoff
13. Lawrence (deceased) and Irene Tamelin
14. Larry and Edna Sapriken
15. Elmer and Marilyn Verigin
20. Past Members who have participated and assisted
1. Walter (deceased) and Ann (deceased) Demoskoff
2. Walter and Mae Popoff
3. Cyril and Vera Woykin
4. Allan and Evelyn Markin
5. Alex and Mary Cheveldave
6. Peter and Marg Perepolkin
7. Paul and Nina (deceased) Koodrin
8. Peter and Olga Swetlishoff
9. Fred (deceased) and Nina Voykin
10. Lawrence and Mable (deceased) Verigin
11. Jim and Katie (deceased) Laktin
12. Peter and Doris Laktin
13. John (deceased) and Florence Salekin
14. Irene Hirschmiller
15. Peter and Penny Kanigan
16. Cecil and Mary Fominoff
21. Windup of Assets
In 2010 the DCA came to a conclusion that its physical and financial assets should be dispersed as the DCA did not have a younger generation of membership that was available to continue.
After many meetings the following decisions were reached:
1. The twenty (20) unit Rosewood Manor had no debt and should be passed over to BC Housing who would be the best agency to operate same in perpetuity
2. The Whatshan Lake (203 acre) property with the DHRS #1999 lease on 20 acres and development thereon, be donated to the DHRS #1999 and was so transferred on January 23, 2013
a. BC Assessment value in land at about $426,000
b. BC Assessment value in buildings $632,000 (developed by DHRS $1999)
c. Total developed value would exceed $2.5 million
3. The Whatshan Falls (5 acre) property, undeveloped, be donated to the DHRS #1999 and was so transferred on January 23, 2013
a. BC Assessment value in land at about $55,800
b. There is no development on this parcel
4. The distribution of invested funds raised from selective logging at Whatshan is as follows:
a. (Some has already been distributed with the balance pending in 2015)
22. Continuation as a Social Organization
The DCA agreed in 2012 that they would continue as a social club because they felt they had established a “family” atmosphere that should be maintained for the rest of their lives.
Social functions continue to this day.
23. Writer’s Comments
It took me a long period of time in meditational thoughts to be able to compose this story and I remain amazed at the achievements of the DCA.
Who could imagine that the result of a fledgling group formed in 1969 could achieve all that as tabulated above?
Perhaps it may be testament to the fact that the Doukhobors (and perhaps many others like the Huttereites, Mennonites) do have a collective advantage when they work together.
Where would the Doukhobors be today had they not began separating into various groups in 1908?
There are more questions than answers but the journey taken by the past and current DCA members is theirs to recount with pleasant memories.
Written by Elmer Verigin January 25, 2015. These are personal memories and not to be construed as a historical nor a professional study. There remain records that can be studied in detail for a more factual account. The purpose here is to leave a story that Readers can add to on my blog with information that they may feel was omitted or necessary to record.
Elmer Verigin 