Sept. 30 was a long awaited day for ethnic and history buffs across Canada, as the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada officiated a special unveiling at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar.
Larry Ewashen was a featured speaker as two HSMBC plaques were officially unveiled: Peter V. Verigin was declared a Person of National Historic Significance, and the migration of the Doukhobors from Saskatchewan to British Columbia an event of National Historic Significance.
The day marked the culmination of ten years work for Ewashen, who began the nomination and declaration process when he was the curator of the museum. Throughout this time, he enlisted the aid of many prominent Canadians such as J.J. Verigin Sr., OC, member of Parliament Alex Atamanenko and Senator Pat Carney to add their recommendations to this cause.
The platform party also included Crseton resident Alex Wishlow, president of the Canadian Doukhobor Society, who spoke about Peter Verigin.
— CONTRIBUTED