Layne M.

Mennonites and Doukhobors

Layne M.
Moose Jaw Regional Fair
Moose Jaw, SK

The Mennonite and Doukhobor people originally lived in Germany and Russia and had good lives there. They had their own schools, language and religion. They worked together on their farms. However, they did not believe in any type of war, which is called pacifism, so when the Russian government tried to force them to join the military, they decided to move to Canada. The trip to Canada was very difficult! Many of them settled in western Canadian provinces because the Canadian government gave them land there and promised that they could live in groups, practice their religion and never have to join the military. 

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

I used four different websites for my project (The Canadian Encyclopedia, Explore Sask Ag, Doukhobor Heritage and Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan.) I also interviewed my Grandma to learn more about her family’s Mennonite heritage. The websites gave me more in-depth information, but my Grandma’s stories were more interesting and gave me a deeper connection to my topic.

What is the historical significance of your topic?

Doukhobors and Mennonites, overtime, have become a part of modern society in Western Canada. Many Mennonites still live in Saskatchewan today. Hoever, most Doukhobors now live in British Columbia. Most speak English and have lost their old language. Doukhobor and Mennonite people brought their foods to Canada. My Grandma is Mennonite and she makes things like varenyky (perogies), shoene kuchen (cream cookies), rollkuchen, farmer’s sausage and borscht. The Mennonite and Doukhobor people showed many Canadian newcomers how to build and maintain strong farms in Western Canada. Canadians that come from Mennonite and Doukhobor history are often hard working, like to make things from scratch and grow their own food. Doukhobors and Mennonites have had a great impact on Canadian culture. 

Why did you choose this topic? 

My family comes from a Mennonite heritage and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about my family history.