Coupled with the Doukhobor terrorist image was the image of the dull, dour, placid, cunning and conniving Communist striving for world domination and the suggestion and belief in some quarters that the Doukhobors were fifth column sympathisers of the Communist cause. While it is true that many Doukhobors have a highly developed sense of social consciousness, Peter Verigin was horrified at the Russian revolution and the bloodshed that followed. This did not prevent the Doukhobors from sending carloads of wheat and sums of money collected at meetings to aid the famine in Russia in 1921. At that time the Doukhobors petitioned the workers of Russia not to support the Communists because of their random and turbulent aggression. It also must be understood that many Canadian Doukhobors had left relatives in Russia. Ties to a motherland existed, but they were not political. This further representation of the Doukhobors was fuelled by the cold war and aided and abetted by government policy in which any organization having the word PEACE in its name or aim, was investigated by the RCMP.

In an ineffectual counter action against the negative press and in an attempt to foster a realistic stance and role model for Doukhobors, three publications stand out, one of which survives today. In all cases, they were created and put into effect by Doukhobors, and therefore gave a balanced view of Doukhobor activities and concerns.

Two of these were started by the Union of Young Doukhobors. In 1953, such a convention was held in Canora, Saskatchewan, and the idea of such a periodical was launched. Its purpose was two fold: through such an English language publication, the presentation of Doukhobor ideals and accounts of the activities of the youth organization would bring about a better understanding with the other Canadians; and secondly, the Doukhobor INQUIRER would serve to counter act the adverse publicity given the Doukhobors by the press.

The mast head proclaimed: '...an enquiring approach to social problems.' and the publication continued from February 1954 until April 1958; first as a monthly, then as a quarterly. Topics ranged from philosophy, religion, book reviews, Doukhobor events and recollections of pioneer life and customs as well as promotion of cultural events and sports. Unfortunately, when the editor, Koozma J. Tarasoff, left Saskatchewan to pursue his education in British Columbia there was no one left to replace him and publication ceased. Throughout its publication life, the highest journalistic standards applied.

A second and important Doukhobor publication was begun by the Union of Young Doukhobors of Vancouver, spear headed by Jim Popoff. Throughout its brief life of seventeen issues, from 1973 to 1979, it also provided a positive report on the activities and aspirations of Doukhobor activity. Under difficult circumstances, the limited staff managed to produce a smooth, attractive and professional magazine which centred on Doukhobor culture and history and related topics dealing with peace and social activism. This too, unfortunately met its demise through lack of finances and manpower.

By far, the most influential and consistent Doukhobor publication is ISKRA. Begun in 1943 as a Russian language publication, it became bilingual in 1952 with a 'Youth Section in English,' and to the present time, English language communication has developed into a main feature. Although this is a publication of the USCC, [The Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ], it is now a major source of information and contact for all groups across Canada, the US and even Russia.

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