That said, I offer an example of a situation where improvement is still possible: In a letter dated January 18, 1993, Michael Verigin writes to Provo Magazine, in part,: 'Mr. Romansky, what are you trying to prove or achieve, as publisher and editor of this magazine, by publishing this article where you referred to myself, my family, and my people as DOUKS? What are DOUKS?... We still recall from the past, certain newspapers and magazine articles, where we were labelled and referred to as DOUKS. But, thank God, over the years, people are starting to have more understanding, tolerance and respect for all peoples, no matter what colour their skin is, what nationality they are or what religion they adhere to. Name calling is in very bad taste and certainly not acceptable by most cultured people. No one likes to be called a Wop, Bohunk, Nigger, Yid, Chink, Jap or Douk. I wish you success with your publication of your otherwise fine magazine, but perhaps you should learn to proofread yourself, so that you can prevent discriminatory issues such as this from being published in the future.      Sincerely, Michael M. Verigin.'

In support of the theory that we still have a long way to go, I would like to cite two final articles; one from THE OTTAWA CITIZEN, Oct 3., 1993, in which the headline reads: MEDIA ARE MODERN DINOSAURS. The article suggests that all media are not doing their job, and instead of reporting the country’s problems, are part of them [Speech by Michael Crichton, National Press Club]. A further article in THE VANCOUVER SUN, April 19,1994, says: 'Most papers'miss boat' on covering minorities. - Daily newspapers in Canada are almost as white as the paper they're printed on, suggest two new studies on the hiring and coverage of minorities.'

I have tried not to draw conclusions but to merely offer examples of past stories. My final offering deals with Doukhobor scholars still being thwarted in telling their own stories. In 2008 the City of Castlegar [the major stronghold of Doukhobors today] received a provincial grant to develop a public square in front of the newly constructed city hall. As Curator of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, the museum of 37 years standing, I thought that it would be appropriate for the design to contain some Doukhobor motifs, e.g. Bread, Salt and Water, doves etc.

The Doukhobors were the founders of the area and it was the 100th anniversary of the settlement. Through my efforts, the migration was declared an Event of National Importance by the Federal Government. The leader, Peter V. Verigin, was also declared a Person of National Historic Significance. The time seemed right for the Doukhobor fact to emerge in the area with official recognition by the city fathers.

I got in touch with the city and was told to contact the designer in Rossland. I found out who the designer was and sent him various designs and sketches. I did not receive an answer to my suggestions. The result of the so-called ‘Spirit Square’ is a large, sterile concrete platform devoid of ambiance and any spirit whatsoever. Nothing distinctive and no feeling or connection to this unique location or its historic heritage.

At a later time I heard that there was to be a plaque mentioning the Doukhobors to be erected in the square. I once again offered my services and expertise in writing the story of the Doukhobor founding of this area. Once again my services were rebuffed and this particular job went to a person with only rudimentary knowledge of the Doukhobors, a sign painter of German origin. The unfortunate result is a dispirited collage of several mounted posters, the Doukhobors mentioned in about one half of one panel.

This entire document is available for download in .pdf format here.