Resistance, Acquiescence and Accommodation: The Establishment of Public Schools in an Old Colony Mennonite Community in Canada

Old Colony Mennonites have historically responded introduction of public education in their communities by moving areas where there were no public One such area was northern Peace River country of Alberta. Old Colony Mennonites began moving there in 1930s, taking with them their distinct culture, which included private German-language Initially, they were free manage their own schools without interference of outsiders. But as population increased and region became less isolated, provincial government decided that public education should be provided. Although some Old Colony Mennonites had come peace with prospect of public schools and were supportive of government's move, vast majority fiercely opposed this intrusion. Despite vigorous opposition, first public school opened its doors in 1953. In ensuing years. Old Colony Mennonite parents often refused send their children school, or did so only after government initiated legal proceedings against them. The recent establishment of several Mennonite private schools in vicinity of La Crete indicates that this sifting-out process continues as many conservative Mennonites prefer educate their children according their religious convictions instead of exposing them secular values of a public school system. When Mennonites arrived in Canada in 1870s, they signed a formal understanding, or Privilegium, with federal government that not only guaranteed them religious freedom and exemption from military service, but also right educate their children in a manner befitting their customs and beliefs. (1) The most important component of this agreement declared that the fullest privilege of exercising their religious principles is by law afforded Mennonites without any kind of molestation or restrictions whatever, and same privilege extends education of their children in schools. (2) Mennonites interpreted this language mean that they would always be allowed operate their own private In aftermath of World War I, however, with anti-German sentiment running high, provincial governments closed private Mennonite schools and required Mennonites send their children public English-language As a result large numbers of most conservative groups, especially Old Colony Mennonites, moved Mexico in 1920s. (3) Some Old Colony members, however, chose remain in Canada and complied with new law. Sarah Lehn Harder, a Mennonite public school teacher, wrote that Mennonites probably hoped that influence of Christian home and church would be strong enough help their children in nurture of a true Christian walk/'4 But, Harder continued, to their dismay they found that spirit of time made serious inroads into their congregations. This fact, combined with various other influences, threatened destroy treasured traditions and customs handed down from forefathers. In response these threats, Old Colony church leaders in late 1920s began search for new homes, sending delegates far out-of-the-way areas in Canada, where they would be removed from disintegrating influences. (5) This article examines government's efforts establish a public school system in a largely Old Colony Mennonite community in northern Alberta, resistance from Mennonites that provincial government encountered, compromises that followed on both sides, and consequences of these interactions, especially for those who remained adamantly opposed public education. THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MENNONITE EDUCATION IN CANADA In an essay describing school system that Reinlander (Old Colony) Mennonites established in Manitoba's West Reserve in 1870s, historian John J. Friesen argues that school was one of most important institutions in village. …

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