The Doukhobors

The Doukhobors arrived in the Kootenay region during the early 20th century and established thriving agricultural communities. Yet, beneath the surface of their peaceful existence lies a narrative imbued with profound tenacity—a story of relentless struggle against governmental bodies, church authorities, and military power to forge an existence in harmony with their principles of equality, community and peace.

Researched and written by: Grace Garvey   Published August 6, 2023

Journey to the Kootenays

This section explores how the Doukhobors ended up in the Kootenays. It covers their years of persecution in Russia for rejecting the Orthodox Church, their transatlantic migration to Saskatchewan and what led to their eventual resettlement in the Kootenay Boundary. The stories in this section provide a necessary context for understanding Doukhobor culture and the […]

Establishing the Kingdom of God on Earth

From 1908 to 1912, around 5,000 Doukhobors migrated to the Kootenay region of B.C., driven by an unwavering determination to establish “the Kingdom of God on earth” once and for all. 1 Settling upon 14,000 acres of land, they embarked on one of the greatest experiments in communal living in the history of B.C. 2 […]

Early Conflicts with B.C. Government

This section covers the Doukhobors’ early conflicts with the B.C. Government over the School and Vital Statistics Acts. It delves into the nuances and beliefs fueling the Doukhobors’ rejection of government regulation and covers the resurgence of The Sons of Freedom with the burning of public schools in 1923. SECTIONS: Initial Encounters with B.C. Schooling […]

Works Cited and Image Sources

Works Cited Adelman, Jeremy. “Early Doukhobor Experience on the Canadian Prairies.” Doukhobor Heritage. Accessed August 3, 2023. https://doukhobor.org/early-doukhobor-experience-on-the-canadian-prairies/. Berikoff, Ahna. Doukhobor Life in Canada – Episode 1: Origins in Russia. Doukhobor Life in Canada, 2022. https://doukhoborlife.ca/. Blakemore, William. Report of Royal Commission on Matters Relating to the Sect of Doukhobors in the Province of British […]