Archaeologists explore early Doukhobor village

Archeologists and volunteers have launched a dig in Saskatchewan in the hopes of learning about the early life of pacifist refugees who fled Russia in 1899.

The Doukhobors came to Canada to escape persecution. This week, about 24 people began searching for one of the first places they settled in Western Canada, a site with historical and religious significance for the group.

"When they came here, there was absolutely nothing here," said Alex Strlioff of the Blaine Lake Doukhobor Society.

They settled just south of Blaine Lake on a long-since-abandoned site overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. Archeologists want to find out more about the 300 people who lived in rough houses built into the sides of hills.

"I don't think there's even been a dugout that's really been excavated before so it would be interesting to see how they build the structure, where they put things inside," said archeologist Megan Brooks. "If we can find evidence of maybe where a little stove was."

Modern-day Doukhobors say by revisiting their history, they hope to keep the memory of their religion and culture alive for future generations.

Brenda Cheveldayoff's family has owned the land for generations. She remembers talking to her family about the caves their ancestors lived in.

"It's my dad's dream to be able to have this archeology study done and so to be able to see it fulfilled, it's a big thing for me."

They began the work with a religious ceremony. The dig will continue all summer.