Troubled Times

As their farms and businesses prospered, some Doukhobors disagreed with the leadership of their community.

 

One group, the "Independents", liked the more modern ways of living. Another group, called the "Sons of Freedom" strongly disagreed, and wanted to return to their traditional values and ways of life.

 

The protests and actions of the Sons of Freedom eventually created a great deal of controversy, both in the Doukhobor community and in Canadian society.

Doukhobor "Sons of Freedom"
Hold Open Air "Sabrinya" Meeting,
1928, C-01407

The depression of the 1930s created financial troubles for most Canadians. The Doukhobor community was no exception and lost control of its land and business holdings. They were unable to buy it back until the 1960s.

 

Many Doukhobors continue to live in communities, work on farms, and strive to protect and preserve their religion, language, and way of life.

Communal Home,
Brilliant, B.C., 1973
Detail of I-06198


Read more about the history of the Doukhobors in British Columbia.
Use the forward button to add more pieces to the jigsaw puzzle, and then go learn about the community of Ocean Falls.