COUNCIL OF DOUKHOBORS IN CANADA - (BC) 
Minutes for MEETING May 15, 2007 6:30 PM 

Meeting Location: Creston Doukhobor Community Prayer Home. 

Present: Larry Ewashen, Fred Makortoff, Harry Rezansoff, Sara Kinakin, Alex Ewashen, Lawrence Makortoff Alex Wishlow, Helen Fofonoff, Hazel Kinakin. 
Regrets: J.J. Verigin Peter-Katie Slastukin, Walter Perepelkin, 
Chair: Fred Makortoff 
Start: 6:30 

1. LORDS PRAYER. 
Introductions around the table and agendas were handed out to all. 
2. AGENDA ADDITIONS: (added to New Business) 
3. Minutes from April 17, 2007 meeting for acceptance. 

4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES. 
.1 Reminders: 
A/ Selection of a new National Treasurer- nominations are open for consideration. 
Action: discussion and nomination - ongoing. 
B/ Selection of a new National Secretary – nominations are open for consideration. 
Action: discussion and nomination – ongoing. 

.2 Yuri Manukian is currently back for a short time in Castlegar and soon will be travelling to the US and eventually Georgia for a visit with family in Tbilisi. Yuri may be able to help in establishing Canada- Georgia Doukhobor connections. 
Action: JJ to check. 
Sara noted that Yuri is likely still in New York . It was noted that there are now very few Doukhobors left in the villages, perhaps 100 or so, the rest have been relocated to the Tambov area in Russia. A web site is already available in Tbilisi for communication. It was also noted that our primary mandate was dealing with communications in Canada and that there was no mention of international communications. This will be an item for consideration at our next interprovincial meeting. 
.3 Service appreciations/recognitions 
Action: Fred to draft certificates as required. 
Lawrence Makortoff was presented with a framed Certificate of Appreciation (see attachments) and a small woven Doukhobor rug from the Council as a token of appreciation for his excellent work and efforts while on Council. He is now officially retired from Council and devoting time to family but still takes a keen interest. We all wish him the best in his endeavours. 

.4 For the Centennial marking the move of Doukhobors from Saskatchewan to BC there are likely several events to take place. It was suggested that a 2008 Centennial Coordinating Committee be established to coordinate the events. 
Action: Begin plans to set up Planning-co-ordinating Committee (What is council’s role in this?) 
It was agreed that the Council should take a leading role in promoting and helping various communities in coordinating/planning some of the events for the 2008 Centennial. 

.5 Doukhobor chat room – work is progressing – should be ready in May. 
Action: Sara is arranging for help from Yuri Manukian. 
The chat room is ready and the address is: www.breath.ca/doukhobortalks please check it out. 
There was a reminder that there is site presently from Tbilisi, Georgia with the stated intention of creating ties between Doukhobors wherever they may be please check it out at: 
http://dukhobors.narod.ru/index.htm 

.6 Send the invitation for dialogue from the young members of the CDC – 
Action: Fred to acquire permissions from The Dove, The Sheaf to print in their publication and using their names for response addresses and when this is secured, then to send the invitation for publication to Iskra. The permissions have been provided, and all the editors mentioned are more than willing to participate. The invitation has been submitted for publication. (See attachments to minutes.) 

5. COMMUNICATIONS: 

6. REPORTS 

.1 TREASURE'S REPORT: Funds in CDC account as of April 30, 2007 are $ 2,301.31. 
A friendly reminder that some member organizations still have not forwarded their dues for 2006 and 2007. 
Action: Another friendly reminder that the dues for 2007 can be sent in at anytime. 
The USCC dues for 2007 have been forwarded to the Treasurer. 
NOTE: Alex Ewashen has been kind enough to assume the role of Treasurer on an interim basis until we have an Official National Treasurer for the organization confirmed at the next Interprovincial meeting in Calgary - this Fall. Address dues payment and all financial issues to 
Alex Ewashen at: Tel: (250) 428-7645 (Home) or email: aje32@yahoo.com 

.2 BRIDGE REPORT: On May 26/07 there is to be a resolution at the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) regarding the bridge issue. An update should be available at the next meeting. 

.3 The 2008 Centenary Celebration Report: Ideas needed for the 2008 centenary events marking the move to BC from the Prairies. It is not too early to start thinking of ideas to mark this event. 
Ann Plotnikoff in a letter, offered a great idea for consideration: A gazebo – (Беседка) 
We still need to complete talks around the issue of how we are to act on the ideas. If there is to be a sub-committee appointed to help coordinate the effort – who should be on this? Should not people from various communities be on such a group? In the meanwhile, let’s keep thinking about what may be possible as celebration events. The discussions centred on the importance of having meaning for the events and that any event be done in such a way so as to honour our parents and grandparents who were part of this most significant internal migration in Canadian history. 

7. New Business: 
1 Selection of a new National Treasurer- nominations are open for consideration. 
Action: discussion and nomination - ongoing. 
Jack and Jan Tarasoff, the representatives from the Calgary (Alberta) group had been approached regarding taking on a combined Secretary-Treasurer position and they sounded like they may be interested – more discussion required. The idea of one position as a Secretary- Treasurer had been discussed and this seems like a way to go. This will need to be discussed and concluded at our Fall interprovincial meeting. 
..2 Selection of a new National Secretary – nomination is open for consideration. 
Action: discussion and nomination – ongoing. Same as above for the Treasurer 
.3 2008 Centennial Coordinating/Planning Committee – 
Action: Determine Council’s role and liaise with communities to see what is being planned 
See item .3 in reports. 
.4. The questionnaire or ‘Invitation’ by the younger members of the CDC, being published in Doukhobor journals. What is the best approach in coordinating responses? How do we address the issues raised in the Jack Tarasoff and Mae Popoff reports on “Toil and Peaceful Life”? 

Action: We will have to wait for the replies and then see how best to work with the responses. The discussion is generated by and focussed on the youthful members of our Council and we should take advice and direction from them in the matter. For now, responses will likely be sent to the publications for public discussion. 

.5 A proposal to donate by $50 to each publication in recognition of the important role they play in our overall Doukhobor community was approved unanimously. 
Action: Acting treasurer to send donations to: 
Iskra, The Dove and The Sheaf 

.6 Calendar Update – The Slastukins are to be contacted to see if they can create the updated Doukhobor Calendar of events. 
Action: Fred to contact the Slastukins regarding the updating of Doukhobor Calendar of events. 

.7 It was proposed and unanimously supported that: 
In recognition of the enormous amount of time and energy that Louise Zaytsoff contributed to the 1995 and 1999 centennials and the considerable energy she invested – which were the roots or seeds of the Council of Doukhobors In Canada, and in recognition of her failing health that an appropriate card and flowers be presented to Louise at Talarico Place Care facility where she presently being cared for. 
Action: Fred to make the necessary arrangements. 

8. Announcements - News – Updates and Info items of interest. 
.1 Whatshan Update - Correspondence received from Mae Popoff, Edna Wright in seeking Council’s support for the June 29th- July 03 /07 gathering – 
Action: Council is supportive and will help to spread words of encouragement to attend. ONGOING 
.2 Update : The Uranium Free BC Coalition & Uranium Free Kootenay-Boundary 
Public Awareness Forum
May 12, 2007, from 9:30am to 4:00pm,
Brilliant Cultural Center, Castlegar, BC. check it out at:
http://uraniumfreekootenayboundary.ca/
http://www.uraniumfreebc.org/ 
.3 Larry Ewashen- curator for the Doukhobor Discovery Centre was looking for a full time student to work at the Centre during the summer. 
.4 The Canadian Doukhobor Society will be doing the Petrov Dyen Commemoration on Sunday 
June 24, 2007. This will start with a simple prayer service at the Verigin Memorial Park, then move to an informal group photo and some appropriate comments at the Tolstoy statue at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre after which, those that wish can continue on to a no-host brunch at the Sandman Inn in Castlegar. Everyone is most welcome to come and participate in this commemorative observance of a significant day in Doukhobor history. 

During the meeting, a short break was arranged and everyone was treated to tea, coffee and juices and some great baked goods. A special cake from the Creston ladies was also presented to Lawrence Makortoff as part of the tribute in recognizing his devotion and commitment to the work of the Council of Doukhobors in Canada on behalf of the Creston community. He graciously shared the cake with all the rest. 

9. NEXT MEETING: In Krestova (to be confirmed) June 19, 2007 at 6:30 PM – Everyone is welcome. 

Adjournment: 9:30 PM 

Notes - Comments – Observations: Around the Table: 
A short report on the meeting in Grand Forks started a lively discussion regarding youth and participation, meanings of traditions, and the seeming disconnection between the old and the younger generation of Doukhobors. It was also noted that we should keep to more concrete issues and perhaps less philosophizing – to try have solid suggestions and not just talk. All commented that it was a great evening and very interesting. As part of the meeting, everyone around the table was involved and contributed in the discussions. Everyone present, were supportive of the work of Council. 
Note: If you know of anyone interested in receiving the minutes and agendas for the Council of Doukhobors in Canada meetings, please email: Fred Makortoff femakort@shaw.ca Ph: 250-359-7351, fax 250-359-7336 

Attachment #1 

Certificate of  Appreciation

In Honour of your support, commitment,
and outstanding service as  Council Treasurer.
The Council of Doukhobors in Canada
is proud to present you with
a testament of your participation .
Presented to : Lawrence Makortoff
On this _______day of ______, 2007.
___________________Secretary

This was filled in as the 15th day of May 2007 and signed by Fred Makortoff as acting Secretary. 
Attachment #2 

An invitation 
To all those who recognize themselves or their ancestors as Doukhobor, to step forward with your thoughts on the questions below. What do you think? 

With the intent of facilitating connections between generations, the following questions generated by the youth, were presented at the recent Inter-provincial meeting of the Council of Doukhobors in Canada in Grand Forks, April 1, 2007. 

1.	What are appropriate forms of expressing oneself as a Doukhobor? 
i.e.- What is appropriate/acceptable? What is inappropriate/unacceptable? 

2.	In your wildest dreams, what would you like to see? 
i.e.- If you could create your version of Doukhobors –what would that look like? What elements would it have? How would it be seen or present itself? 

3.	Given no boundaries, how could Doukhobors expression themselves culturally, spiritually, artistically, traditionally, in structure or form of organization, political/peace activities, outreach, etc? 

The intent of the Council of Doukhobors in Canada in these meetings is to provide a way for individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings in a “Safe Space” without being judged, criticized or silenced. We think this is the same intent of the publications mentioned below. There are more issues we wish to discuss. 

One of the first questions was the meaning of “Toil & Peaceful Life.” What do Doukhobors currently think of this? What did the expression mean then and what does it mean now? The questions were initially researched by Council members Jack Tarasoff from Calgary and Mae Popoff from Saskatoon. Their presentations were done to promote discussion. From the responses at the Grand Forks meeting, we have learned that there is more than one meaning to this slogan and that that meaning is created by each individual and may have many levels of interpretation. What is also emerging is that there seems to be some higher principles which tie these meanings together that Doukhobors strive for. 

Elders worry about the lack of involvement of youth within our communities. This is not only relevant to Doukhobor communities but to most indigenous and cultural groups world wide. UNESCO states that globally there is a loss of one language every two weeks. In the face of this stark situation, there are those of us; youth, elders, and in-between, who wish to respond to the urgings of that essence that calls from within, to build bridges between this increasing divide. It is for this reason that we put forward these questions above. 

•	We want being a Doukhobor to mean something today and tomorrow - not only yesterday 
•	We want a future - not just a history. 
•	We are at the point where - change is inevitable. 
•	We still have the time and resources intact - to provide options in this change. 

Knowing how people feel and where they stand, will help us find ourselves in the context of present day issues such as global warming, genetically modified foods, hunger, wars, etc. 
We are confident that our elders know how to respond to these many troubling issues and many young people have the creative energy and desire to put them into action. With your responses, we can find common interests and places of connection where we can support and inspire each other. 

These steps we feel are necessary in order to create visions we desire; put plans into action; and be the change we want to see in the world. We strongly feel that this idea should not be limited to those of us ‘recognized’ as being Doukhobor, but should include all those who share the vision of community; cooperation; and the creative magic possible on earth. 

We seek a broad response to these questions, so we ask that individuals respond by email to Tanya tankya@hotmail.com or Sara sarakinakin@breath.ca or join in our chat room at www.breath.ca/doukhobortalks or mail directly to: 
Iskra 
Box 3024 
Castlegar, B.C. Canada V1N 3H4 
Email: info@iskra.ca Web: www.iskra.ca 
or 

The Dove 
Bill Kalmakoff, 
45 Potter Cres. 
Saskatoon, SK S7H 3L2 
Email: bill.kalmakoff@shaw.ca 
or 

The Sheaf, 
Mae Popoff, 
2510 Eastview, 
Saskatoon, SK, S7J 3G6 

We thank you for your participation in whatever way you wish. 
by Tanya Shelestynski and Sara Kinakin members of The Council of Doukhobors in Canada