Re: Survivors and families say Doukhobor apology compensation falls short, Feb. 5
Firstly, I support that survivors should have an “opportunity to decide for themselves how to spend their compensation.”
Among the government vague suggestions are: “Sons of Freedom Legacy Fund … research and archival services, and a health and wellness fund.”
Survivors have lived hard lives, and often in poverty. They are now in their 70s and early 80s, and require long-term care and health support.
Secondly, I would propose that a meaningful compensation would be to build long-term facilities in the West Kootenay and Grand Forks areas, to be used by the communities at large, and operated as self-sustaining businesses or non-profit enterprises. This would leave a legacy for the descendants, and meet the great need for long-term care in these rural areas.
Evelyn Kristiansen (nee Esouloff)
Nelson