The historic caves site of the religious group the Doukhobors will have tours return this July. (submitted photo/Doukhobor Dugout House Historic Site of Canada)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Historical re-enactment

Tours of historic site near Blaine Lake open this July

Apr 6, 2021 | 8:10 AM

Residents throughout Saskatchewan that are looking for a unique outdoor experience they can get in their own province may have that chance at a caves site near Blaine Lake this summer.

This July, the Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site of Canada will be opening up again to the public with a display of life from 1899. Due to COVID-19 restrictions a self-guided exhibit dubbed Season of Colours, rather than a large gathering, will be hosted by the religious group that originated in Russia. Founder Brenda Cheveldayoff said it has been hard at work to make sure they wouldn’t miss out on another summer because of COVID-19.

“We weren’t allowed to do large gatherings, so we had to come up with a different way,” she said. Each area of that yard will be able to come back to life in 1899.”

Typically, the group has acted out re-enactments that portray the history of Russian Doukhobors who fled their homeland to settle in the Blaine Lake area in 1899. In order to meet the mandate, Cheveldayoff said they’ve gone away from large crowds gathering to watch the experience and instead walk through it.

“We are still going to be in costume, but it’s more where you’re going to walk around on your own leisure, while there’s no gathering of large groups,” she said.

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(submitted photo/Doukhobor Dugout House Historic Site of Canada)

This years’ experience will feature 10 areas of historical significance in the yard, including a new patio area named after Peter Verigin, the Russian philosopher and leader of the Doukhobors who was murdered in 1924. Cheveldayoff said they have several dignitaries planning on coming, including Lieutenant Governer Russ Mirasty, MP Kelly Block and Premier Scott Moe, but they have to figure out how to split dignitaries on different days to avoid crowds

“There’s a few others, I’m just waiting confirmation on them,” she said.

As part of the display, the site received a large investment from Tourism Saskatchewan, totalling around $10,000. Cheveldayoff said they hope to highlight Saskatchewan’s history, which they do in part by utilizing products in other portions of site through Saskatchewan made products.

I think it’s really incredible to work with other people and bring in things they have to that yard,” she said. “And it presents opportunities for Saskatchewan people to get outdoors safely.”

The first tour date for Season of Colours will be July 3.

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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