Hutterites in Saskatchewan face discrimination amid pandemic-related stigma and misconceptions

A Saskatchewan author has raised concerns about discrimination faced by Hutterites during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary-Ann Kirkby, who was born on the Fairholme Hutterite Colony in Manitoba, shared her experiences in her memoir *I Am Hutterite*. Her family transitioned into mainstream society when she was ten, and she has since spoken out against misconceptions about Hutterite communities.

Kirkby noted that while most Hutterite colonies in Saskatchewan followed proper safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus, some communities were affected due to the leadership of one individual who downplayed the severity of COVID-19. This person allowed their community greater access to town, which Kirkby believes contributed to the virus’s spread.

Despite varying leadership among the nearly 100 Hutterite colonies in Saskatchewan, the general public often cannot distinguish between members of different colonies. Kirkby said this lack of visibility has led to assumptions that all Hutterites are responsible for spreading the virus. She emphasized that Hutterites have historically kept their culture private, which has fueled these misunderstandings.

Kirkby pointed out that when people are not transparent about their identity, others tend to create their own narratives. She argued that Hutterites have an important story to share and that withholding this information is not acceptable. The stigma surrounding their communities has been exacerbated by the pandemic, with many people linking Hutterites to the spread of the virus.

The situation highlights the broader challenge of public perception and the need for greater understanding of Hutterite communities. As the pandemic continues to impact societies worldwide, the experiences of groups like the Hutterites serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and accurate information in times of crisis.

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