The annual AGM opening at the Doukhobor Village Museum went off without
a hitch on Sunday, April 24th., 2005. Beautiful weather enhanced the gathering
of some 250 beautiful people who came to wish the museum bon voyage on
to another record season. The day was also enhanced by beautiful singing
by the Tri Choir, who not only sang in Russian but in French and English
as well. This is an outstanding a capella ensemble composed of male Doukhobors
from the various societies in the area.
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The
Doukhobor Tri-Choir entertains guests at the 2005 season's grand
opening
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The program featured an array of
speakers and was graciously officiated and the museum officially opened
by Her Honour, Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
The guests were welcomed by Bob Ewashen, President of the Kootenay Doukhobor
Historical Society. Mayor Michael James O’Connor welcomed the guests
on behalf of the City, and other speakers thanked the contributors of
the wonderful exhibit, the restored autochrome display which is the feature
this year, which was made possible by the Vancouver Foundation, BC Arts
Council, Columbia Basin Trust, the City of Castlegar, and the Columbia
Power Corporation, as well as the Castlegar Arts Council and BC Hydro.
Ron Mahonin, digital expert explained the procedure required to enhance
the original lantern slides and render them in a restored fashion for
present day viewing. In her address, Her Honour spoke movingly about the
accomplishments of the Doukhobors in Canada, and their history of Toil
and Peaceful Life. In part, she said: ‘This museum and this
gathering today pays tribute to that special heritage of the Doukhobor
settlers who left Russia and became known as the ‘Spirit Wrestlers.
. . . This museum speaks of a people who worked hard to be totally self-sufficient
and who struggled hard to keep their faith.’ The complete text
of Her Honour’s speech can be read here.
Gifts were presented and Her Honour received a striking framed autochrome
of a Doukhobor woman at the loom in 1905.
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Another highlight was the
special presentation made to Larry Ewashen, tireless curator of
the museum for the past several years. Her Honour, Iona Campagnolo,
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, presented a handsome plaque
embossed with the museum logo which read: |
Mr. Ewashen, in accepting the plaque, noted that he was delighted to accept such recognition, but that it was also a recognition of all who helped the museum function, and all of those who will help in the future. By far the most memorable opening yet!
| After viewing, Ms. Campagnolo was asked to comment on the exhibit. Click on the video to download. |  |