DOLINA OOTESHENIA [The Valley of Consolation] You are in an area steeped in history and heritage. Between 1908 and 1913, over 5,000 Doukhobors came to settle here from Saskatchewan. Nearby is the confluence of the Kootenay-Columbia Rivers, a historic transportation route. Near the original settlement of Brilliant is the historic suspension bridge built in 1913, now a National Heritage Site. David Thompson was the first European to travel through here, before that it was home to the Kootenay Indians. Placer gold mining created trails from 1850 to 1875; in 1898 the CPR was extended to Kootenay Lake and goods began to arrive by steamer in Nelson, supplying this area from the north instead of the south. Peter Verigin originally purchased 5,000 acres here in 1908. When he suffered an untimely, tragic death in 1924, the CCUB operated 71,600 acres of improved land in Western Canada. There were 90 such villages in BC, 60 in this area. This museum commemoratetts the history of the Doukhobors who settled and prospered here as the largest communal enterprise in Western Canada until 1938. THE DOUKHOBOR VILLAGE MUSEUM The Doukhobor Village Museum will introduce you to the Doukhobor culture and provide reminders of Canada's early western frontier. Over 1,000 artifacts represent the timeless and fascinating arts and crafts, customs and religion of the people. You will see the bread oven, the wood fired banya [sauna], fabrics and clothing as well as the tools used in their manufacture set amidst an authentic reconstruction of an early communal village. Enjoy your visit to our unique museum in this beautiful, historic setting and learn about the heritage of the Doukhobor people. Guided tours and written and audio-visual material is available Nearby are other features of historical interest such as the Doukhobor suspension bridge [built in 1913], and the tomb of early Doukhobor leaders. THE DOUKHOBOR VILLAGE MUSEUM is located across from the Airport near the junction of Crowsnest Hi-way 3 and Hi-way 3A. Open May - Sept.: 10 - 6 Daily Other times by Appointment. Admission: Adults $4.00 Students $2.00