LETHBRIDGE- It is the stories of her upbringing and her visits to Hutterite colonies Mary-Ann Kirkby hopes can educate society on her culture, her passion and her upbringing.
“I think that the ignorance about Hutterites really, in mainstream Canada is breathtaking,” Kirkby said.
Kirkby is the author of the bestselling book I Am Hutterite. She is now promoting her second Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen. The book gives an in-depth look at present time Hutterite colonies.
Kirkby is connected to the Hutterite way of life because of her upbringing. She was born on a colony in Manitoba. At the age of 10 her family left the colony and started a new life.
“We always understood that we left the conflict not the culture and have remained very close to our people, I still speak the language fluently and still eat the food,” adds Kirkby.
She says the closed lifestyle Hutterites live has left many to wonder and speculate.
“What was lost in that is, people don’t really know why we live the way we do, what our traditions are and where we come from.”
In her book she explains the background of the Hutterite beliefs and where they originated. She provides details and never-before-seen photos to show readers a different side of her upbringing.
“What people would be very surprised to know is that Hutterites were one of the most educated and sophisticated societies in Europe. We were doctors to emperors, and noblemen sent their children to Hutterite schools.”
During her writing journey, Kirkby visits a colony and shares the experience. She interacts with women during daily tasks, showing that there are few differences between societies.
“Canada is home to the highest concentration of Hutterites in the world, most are here in Alberta. I think it’s important that people realize underneath the polka dots and black hats we are all the same,” Kirkby added.
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