| It's important to
understand Mr. Tarasoff's background; his
'roots'...as it not only helps us to better understand the extent of
his knowledge of the Doukhobors, but his passion for the subject as
well. Koozma John Tarasoff was born in 1932 to John and Anastasia Tarasoff in the Henrietta District of Saskatchewan, Canada. Growing up in a home, on an isolated farm, and in an environment mainly inhabited by Doukhobors, it is hardly surprising that he would carry the Doukhobor philosophy with him throughout his life. |
 Tarasoff's grandfather's farm in Saskatchewan |
 Collage of The Inquirer 1954-1958 |
During his studies at the University of Saskatchewan in 1953, Koozma was challenged to write, produce and edit an English youth monthly publication about the Doukhobors. Entitled 'The Inquirer', this was to be Koozma's first of many publications, as well as a beginning of a life-long vocation. | |
After graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from University of Saskatchewan (while most would steer towards pursuing a career in their chosen field), Koozma remained steadfast in his ethnic writing craft and was introduced to wide and exciting world of anthropology and ethnography at the University of British Columbia. |
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| As Koozma himself
describes, it wasn't so much that he chose to become the leading
authority on the subject of the Doukhobors; rather, he simply developed
as the demand for his writing and his vast knowledge on the subject
through both his research and environment grew. While many of the author's works can be found in various libraries from coast to coast, some of his collection (as well as other Doukhobor-related materials) are on display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Mr. Tarasoff has the world's largest and most well-known Doukhobor photo collection boasting over 50,000 entries! |
 Tarasoff standing next to the Doukhobor poster at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa |
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| His photos have been used in numerous books, magazines, in video, film productions and multimedia presentations by other authors, producers and directors. Hardly a web site pertaining to the Doukhobors exists that doesn't make mention of Mr. Tarasoff. His literary works and/or photos have been recognized in magazines to reference books and his interpretation of the Doukhobors now graces the Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples (1999), the Oxford Companion to Canadian History (2002), and The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan (2005). | ||