Description
Book SynopsisOn Stony Ground presents a historical ethnographic account of a generation of Mennonites from the Soviet Union who, following Russia’s revolution and civil war, immigrated to Manitoba during the 1920s. James Urry examines how they came to terms with a new land and with their new neighbours, including other Mennonites, Ukrainians, French Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples.
The book discusses the impact of the Great Depression and how the immigrants struggled with their identity in Canada as Hitler and Stalin rose to power in Germany and the USSR. It reveals the immigrants’ desire to maintain their faith, language, and culture while encouraging their children to take advantage of an education conducted mainly in English. On Stony Ground explores how prosperity following the Second World War helped the immigrants to build a community in conjunction with others, including Mennonites and non-Mennonites, and to accept their new home in Canada.
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction 1. Russia and Canada: The Consequences of the First World War 2. Russländer Mennonites Find Homes 3. The Bases of Community 4. Re-establishing Institutions 5. Schools and Education 6. Debts, Depression, and a New Grunthal 7. Old and New World Politics 8. Conflicted Identities 9. The War Years 10. Post-War Prosperity 11. A United and Divided Community 12. Generational Succession and Transition 13. Becoming Canadian Conclusion Appendixes 1. Elim Congregation Statistics (Baptised Members / Families / Totals 1927–c.1980) 2. Agreement with the International Company over Land on East Reserve Bibliography
