麻豆传媒AV

Organizers of the historic Doukhobor Dugout House near Blaine Lake prepare the site and itinerary as the nationally designated historic site embarks on its 2014 tourism season.

Brenda Cheveldayoff, Doukhobor descendent and founder of the site, explained this year's theme 'Doukhobor Letters' as realizing the historic documentation instrumental in combining the efforts of Leo Tolstoy and Peter Verigin. History will unfold as correspondence reveals how the men met and how Tolstoy became involved in the Doukhobor movement and immigration.

Leo Tolstoy, the famous Russian writer, came to the aid of the Doukhobors and donated the royalties from his book Resurrection to their emigration. Together with Quaker and Canadian settler aid, 8,000 persons were brought to Canada in 1899.

The Doukhobors' "communal life style was not without controversy within Canadian society, nor their refusal to swear oaths, resulting in the loss of their homestead lands and movement to British Columbia under the direction of their leader, Peter P. Verigin. A core of settlers remained in Saskatchewan (and some returned) becoming the nucleus of viable communities such as Blaine Lake, Veregin and Kamsack," states the website, doukhobordugouthouse.com.

The preservation of the dugout house began as a growing desire for Cheveldayoff as she set out to preserve the heritage and history but to also share the story of her ancestors. Her interests and roots grew deep when it was revealed that her great-grandfather, Iakov Fedor Popoff (Jim Fred), resided with 40 others in a similar 460-square-foot space that was dug out along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in 1899.

"The house is a rare surviving example of a practical and temporary form of initial shelter constructed by the Doukhobors, but there were also many settlers of various ethnic backgrounds that constructed similar dwellings upon their arrival on the Canadian Prairies. These initial and expedient dwellings were typically replaced as quickly as possible by more permanent ones, as required under the conditions of the homestead policy in the Dominion Lands Act," explained Cheveldayoff. Saskatchewan's harsh winters were not forgiving to anyone.

The task to achieve provincial and national heritage designation has been a challenging one for Cheveldayoff as she met with many obstacles along the way. As Dr. Margaret Kennedy, head of the University of Saskatchewan's department of archaeology, once said, describing Brenda, "she rose admirably to the task."

In the summer of 2004, the dugout house was the subject of an investigation by the University of Saskatchewan's department of archaeology. The study was preceded by a traditional Doukhobor prayer service.

Meagan Brooks, a graduate student, was able to establish a baseline of measurement for archaeological units. During the course of the investigation, underbrush was removed, surface artifacts removed and volunteers were trained to do screening, to scrape the soil and to study findings. From this, Meagan completed her thesis, Public Archaeology With a Doukhobor Descendant Community, and earned her master's degree.

"The archaeological dig was a most memorable experience for the participants, and an excellent example of a group investigating and preserving its own history," commented Cheveldayoff.

In 2005, the Doukhobor Dugout House received provincial heritage designation and, in August of 2008, Cheveldayoff received notification the property was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

A ceremony was held in July 2013 to officially honour the event. The Government of Canada made the designation on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). A commemorative plaque was unveiled as invited guests and members of the general public witnessed the historic event.

History is evident everywhere at the site, from the actual restored dugout residence to the large pictorial displays in the Quonset. Every artifact found in the house was of monumental significance, such as an oven door, a button, some pottery and an old shoe. All are constant reminders of the hardships and lifestyle in those early years between 1899 and 1904. A replica of the Doukhobor Dugout House has been built at the edge of the ravine for those who cannot make the steep climb down.

Every year, the site is officially opened for the season with a traditional pre-determined themed public event complete with dignitaries and volunteers in period costume. Traditional costumes are worn by Brenda, her husband Dan and other members of the Doukhobor society as the story is told to the visitors. On tour dates, visitors can enjoy traditional fresh baked bread with homemade jam and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.

More than 1,200 tourists have visited the site annually since its inception. The guest list records visitors from as far away as Italy. Personal tours have been given to many dignitaries including the Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan, Her Honour Dr. Lynda Haverstock, June 25, 2005, shortly after the site received provincial heritage designation.

A non-profit corporation was established to oversee the valuable educational and outreach potential for the site, so "it can educate everybody about Doukhobor culture," added Cheveldayoff.

July 5 will mark the site opening for the season. Members of the general public are welcome to attend and witness the official season opening with tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. by volunteers in period costume, and to learn more about the Doukhobor history. For more information visit www.doukhobordugouthouse.com.