Castlegar’s mayor Lawrence Chernoff also commended
Ewashen and spoke about the importance of the museum
in the community.
Other
Doukhobor dignitaries addressed the audience and
Larry Ewashen read several comments that had been
sent by friends of the museum from abroad.
"How
wonderful that our honoured ancestor should be recognized
in the far flung corners of the world," wrote
Dmitri Tolstoy, the great grandson of Leo Tolstoy,
from Paris.
The
theme of Sunday’s opening was the 100th anniversary
of the death of Tolstoy, the author and activist
who was heavily involved with the Doukhobor movement
and their transportation to Canada at the end of
the 19th century.
Local
MP Alex Atamanenko addressed the crowd, before singing
and playing a few Russian songs on his guitar. He
gave greetings from parliament and fellow New Democrat
Katrine Conroy, who was not able to attend.
Like
all of the speakers on Sunday, Atamanenko bounced
frequently between Russian and English. "Let
us continue to make a better world," he
said.
J.
J. Verigin, representative for the Union of Spiritual
Communities of Christ (USCC) gave a talk on the
importance of history and the Doukhobor way. "Thank
you so much for all of this," said Verigin.
His
speech concentrated on the importance of non-violent
living, of peace and health. Verigin explained that
all peoples of the world seek a more meaningful
life. He discussed the importance of staying in
tune with the natural world around us, and respecting
each other.
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"It
is through service that one obtains true spirituality,"
said Verigin, emphasizing the importance of helping
and serving one another humbly.
After
the initial speakers finished, the Friends in Harmony
Choir sang several pieces in Russian and English.
The
final part of the opening ceremony was a speech
given by Koozma Tarasoff, a recognized expert on
the life and writings of Tolstoy.
Tarasoff
explained the importance of Tolstoy’s life
on the history of the Doukhobors and his contributions
to the development of pacifism in the world.
"Tolstoy’s
core values were prophetic, and no doubt influenced
the development of pacifism, the nonkilling paradigm
and anarchism," said Tarasoff.
"The
ideas or lessons of Tolstoy merit special attention,"
he said. "For me there is no doubt that
Tolstoy indirectly influenced the Russian Doukhobors
in taking a radical stance in opposing militarism
in 1895 by inspiring 11 Doukhobor soldiers to drop
their guns on Easter Sunday, followed by the Burning
of the Guns in the summer with 7,000 activists participating."
Tarasoff
said that without Tolstoy, many Doukhobors would
never have survived.
"Canadian
Doukhobors are very grateful to this world writer
and moralist for their survival. As a second generation
member of this heritage, if it weren’t for
the courage and passion of Tolstoy to tell the truth
and help humans in need, I would not be here today
speaking to you and there would likely be no Doukhobor
Discovery Centre, because there would be few if
any Doukhobors in Canada," he explained.
"His
unique God Within construct over one century back
brought love and personal responsibility into human
behavior. According to this bold idea, it is wrong
to kill another human being. To kill would damage
the energy or divine spirit within each of us. Humanity
needs to be more human and moral oriented rather
than political power and profit oriented,"
said Tarasoff.
He
closed his speech by pointing out the enduring legacy
of Tolstoy’s pacifist and anarchistic beliefs.
"As the conscience of humanity one hundred
years ago, Leo Tolstoy’s legacy continues
to prod us to be responsible, loving and caring
human citizens in our civilization," said
Tarasoff.
"What
are we prepared to do today for humanity as we celebrate
the 100th anniversary of Leo Tolstoy’s death?"
The
opening ceremony closed with more congregational
singing.
Organizers
thanked the volunteer efforts of Katimavik students,
who helped set up for the opening.
Local
residents are invited to attend the annual opening
of the Museum Bistro on May 1, where traditional
Doukhobor and western food will be served.
