‘I am Hutterite’ author shares her journey
Manny Everett – Standard Municipal Library
The Standard Municipal Library hosted an author talk and video conference by Mary-Ann Kirkby, author of the book I Am Hutterite, on May 11. Sharon Duffala, Standard’s Librarian did a lot of footwork into bringing this particular video conference to Standard. She is promoting some other new and innovative ideas in our local Library and also would like to do more video conferences. Drop by the Library or call her at 403-644-3995 to see what is being offered. Twenty-six people from the community of Standard were present as well as over 50 more combined through the video conferencing from the communities of Acadia Valley, Delia, Drumheller, Hussar, Oyen, Ralston and Rockyford.
This was the first time Kirkby had done a video conference but it was evident that she had no problem speaking to the crowd. She was entertaining and humourous, as she recounted some of her story and read excerpts from her book. It took over 7 years to write it and it was not easy at times but a journey that she had to undertake nonetheless. Kirkby told the group that it was painful and exhilerating and freeing altogether. Kirkby was not ashamed of being Hutterite but rather wounded by the misrepresentation that she felt from the outside world looking in. She felt an obligation to tell a truly Canadian story and give her son an ability to appreciate and an understanding of his rich heritage. Something that anyone who heard her story that night could really embrace was that we all have a story and we all need to embrace who we are.
Such an amazing life lesson built around her amazing life.
In 1969, Kirkby’s parents did the unthinkable. They left a Hutterite colony near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba with seven children and little else, to start a new life. Overnight, the family was thrust into a society they did not understand and which knew little of their unique culture. I Am Hutterite takes you inside Fairholme Colony where Kirkby spent the first ten years of her life. Her intimate portrait of Hutterian people opens a window on a closed community and reveals a way of life that seems extraordinary to the outside world.
If you haven’t read this book, it is an amazing read and you can pick it up at your local library or purchase one at any bookstore.
The following day Mrs. Kirkby was the keynote speaker for the Marigold Library at the Travelodge in Strathmore for their workshop.