Today is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Did you know about the residential school experience of the Doukhobors?
The Doukhobors are a Russian-speaking religious and cultural community whose history in Canada dates back to the late 19th century, when thousands of Doukhobors immigrated from the Russian Empire. Many Doukhobors settled in Western Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Their Canadian history includes experiences with government policies, residential and communal schooling, language, religion, and cultural identity. These experiences are an important part of understanding the diverse histories of Russian-speaking communities in Canada.
For many people, the Doukhobor experience is a lesser-known part of Canadian history. Learning these stories can help us better understand the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation and the importance of listening to communities whose experiences have not always been widely known.
I invite you to watch this interview and learn more about the Doukhobor residential school experience, Doukhobor history in Canada, and the experiences of Russian-speaking Canadians.
Today is a day to listen, learn, remember, and make space for stories that deserve to be heard. Find the article HERE.