The annual AGM opening at the Doukhobor Village Museum went off without a hitch on Sunday, April 24th., 2005. Beautiful weather enhanced the gathering of some 250 beautiful people who came to wish the museum bon voyage on to another record season. The day was also enhanced by beautiful singing by the Tri Choir, who not only sang in Russian but in French and English as well. This is an outstanding a capella ensemble composed of male Doukhobors from the various societies in the area.

The program featured an array of speakers and was graciously officiated and the museum officially opened by Her Honour, Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The guests were welcomed by Bob Ewashen, President of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society. Mayor Michael James O’Connor welcomed the guests on behalf of the City, and other speakers thanked the contributors of the wonderful exhibit, the restored autochrome display which is the feature this year, which was made possible by the Vancouver Foundation, BC Arts Council, Columbia Basin Trust, the City of Castlegar, and the Columbia Power Corporation, as well as the Castlegar Arts Council and BC Hydro.

Ron Mahonin, digital expert explained the procedure required to enhance the original lantern slides and render them in a restored fashion for present day viewing. In her address, Her Honour spoke movingly about the accomplishments of the Doukhobors in Canada, and their history of Toil and Peaceful Life. In part, she said: ‘This museum and this gathering today pays tribute to that special heritage of the Doukhobor settlers who left Russia and became known as the ‘Spirit Wrestlers. . . . This museum speaks of a people who worked hard to be totally self-sufficient and who struggled hard to keep their faith.’ The complete text of Her Honour’s speech can be read here. Gifts were presented and Her Honour received a striking framed autochrome of a Doukhobor woman at the loom in 1905.

Another highlight was the special presentation made to Larry Ewashen, tireless curator of the museum for the past several years. Her Honour, Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, presented a handsome plaque embossed with the museum logo which read: Presented to LARRY A. EWASHEN - On behalf of the City of Castlegar and the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society, this award is presented with our Appreciation and Recognition of your outstanding Commitment and Service to the Doukhobor Village Museum. Mayor Mike O’Connor, April 24th, 2005.

Mr. Ewashen, in accepting the plaque, noted that he was delighted to accept such recognition, but that it was also a recognition of all who helped the museum function, and all of those who will help in the future. By far the most memorable opening yet!