‘So ha’ wie daut emma jedohne,’ (that is how we have always done it): the collective memory and cultural identity of the Old Colony Mennonites in Bolivia

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Date
2010-04-07T20:46:54Z
Authors
Warkentin, Karen
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Abstract

The Canadian-descendent Old Colony Mennonites first arrived in Bolivia from Mexico in 1967. Their collective identity has been shaped by a series of migrations through several countries, including Russia, Canada and Mexico. In this thesis I look at which memories are retold and how they are used to define their identity as an anti-modern people, and vice versa, how this identity filters their memories. I also look to see what it is that the Old Colony Mennonites recall of their migration history: the years before arriving in Bolivia in the 1960s, the pioneer years and succeeding decades of life in Bolivia. In addition, I examine how they have used their history to define their worlds and how their views on technology, language, and clothing are articulated by historical accounts.

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Keywords
memory, identity, Mennonites
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