Doukhobor survivors pen open letter, say they aren't being heard

A group of about 30 Doukhoborswho were forcibly removed from their families by the B.C. government around 70 years ago have written an open letter to Premier David Eby, detailing concerns that their voices aren't being heard followingan official apology by the province last month.

In the letter, the group thanks the government for its "meaningful apologies/acknowledgements" that were given in the legislatureon Feb.27.

But it says there was a lack of representation on the day from survivors.

"It was not easy for many of us survivors to attend the apology at the legislature due to a variety of reasons, such as being elderly, having health issues, up-front financial expenses in order to attend, etc.," the letter reads.

"As a result, we were under-represented and did not have a living survivor to speak on our behalf."

Many of the children who were taken from their families were placed in a former tuberculosis sanatorium inNew Denver, B.C., about 150kilometres east of Kelowna, between 1953 and 1959, where they later testified they received physical and psychological abuse.

In February, the B.C. government announced a $10 million compensationpackage aimed at reconciliationthat will be used for community programs, research, education, wellness and mental-health supports. Attorney General Niki Sharma said$3.75 million would go to a health and wellness fund for survivors and their descendants.

WATCH | Province makes formal apology:

B.C. government makes official apology, compensation to children of wronged Doukhobours

8 months ago

Duration 2:09

The B.C. government has officially acknowledged historical wrongs done to some 200 Doukhobor children who were forcibly removed from their homes 70 years ago. The provincial government is offering compensation for past wrongs, but some say it isnt enough.

But the letter from the survivors said their voices aren't being heard when it comes to detailing how the compensation will be distributed.

"We request primary involvement when it comes to determining the structure of a compensation package, decision-making and distribution of funding," it reads.

"It is time the government engages with us, a group of living survivors. Our collective voice needs to be heard and regarded."

Attorney general responds

In response to the open letter, Sharma told CBC News that the province is committed to listening and getting feedback from living survivors and the family members of the deceased.

"We understand that many are elderly and may find it challenging to use technology, so we are exploring how to best engage with them," she said.

"Our priority is to focus on the health andwellness portion of the package to ensure that survivors can access these funds in a low-barrier, timely manner."

Sharma says over the coming monthsher ministry will be working with "the whole community" to gain input on the best way to administer the fundsto ensure support isavailable by summer 2024.

CBC News requested interviews with several survivors during a pair of private apologiesin Castlegar and Grand Forks in early February. None of them were willing to comment.

This group says it has respondedas a collective by sharing the open letter.

CBC News has contacted the premier's office for comment.