Ex-FLDS Reacts to Hutterite Colony

[@marilynkleinsasser1652]

I'm am a hutterite and just in the middle of watching this...and the comment "to our knowledge they are not polygamous" had me rolling 🤣..we are definitely NOT polygamous....

[@JulieAnnStahl-tm8wm]

I’m an ex Hutterite and I’ve watched every single one of your videos and also Amanda Rea’s channel as well. The Mormons absolutely fascinate me and I love your videos. When I saw this video pop up in my suggestions I had a moment. Anyway love your take on this. There are over 400 different colonies 3 different sects the national geographic doc is a different sect then the one Gisele is part of

[@themedicdroidx10]

Oh wow! It would be so cool if you guys did an interview or collab together

[@JulieAnnStahl-tm8wm]

@@themedicdroidx10 Mormons are way more interesting

[@themedicdroidx10]

@@JulieAnnStahl-tm8wm that's only because its new information to you! Your experience is just as interesting as theirs to me : )

[@teresaspringer4129]

I Love Giselle and she shows her life and the community.

[@MsFitz134]

​@@JulieAnnStahl-tm8wm 😂 funny you say that, being raised Mormon I think other religions are far more interesting.

[@carlymckay692]

I was an Educational Assistant on a Hutterite Colony. They are Beautiful People that take pride in their family, work and community.

[@blessedhitchhiker]

My dad used to teach at a hutterite colony. From what I remember, the preacher is the head of the colony. Each colony has their own rules. Some are quite progressive, others not so much. I watch Gisele's channel, and her colony is very progressive. The fact that she has a youtube channel is pretty amazing. Some colonies are primarily agriculture and livestock based, others have businesses that serve people outside the colony. Gisele's colony in particular build fire trucks for the various cities and towns in the province. Life is very structured as to what job each person is doing. Givele's colony in particular wants all their children to complete high school, with university educations being allowed. They have their own university educated nurses, teachers, etc. They celebrate all the holidays christians celebrate and even Halloween in their own way. I used to live in the province that Gisele is from, so found it extra interesting.

[@mienafriggstad3360]

I agree with you. My cousin is a Christian; he is currently a teacher and principal of a Hutterite school in Manitoba.

[@blessedhitchhiker]

@@mienafriggstad3360 so he would have the real scoop as to how that particular colony operates.

[@suekeane]

I watch Giselle's channel too its so interesting

[@blessedhitchhiker]

@@suekeane It's nice to see that the colony is open to Giselle having a youtube channel

[@zoeytrapper]

I also watch Gisele’s channel. I find it very interesting. She’s a very sweet young woman.

[@sarahhuse9709]

I love Giselle's videos! I see in her a freedom and happiness that is often lacking in other smaller, more fringe groups. I think her group is definitely less restrictive than some Hutterites. A lot of things about the Hutterites reminds me of the Mennonites that I grew up around in Southwest Kansas, though the focus is different. While the Mennonites and Amish seem to focus on rules and restrictions and staying away from things that are "worldly", the emphasis in Hutterite groups seems to be community and making sure that people are treated equitably and keeping the community tight knit.

[@shellymoss373]

Yes. Hutterites, Mennonites, and Amish all are splintered siblings from the same branch of Christianity, Anabaptists. But there are significant differences of course as they all followed different leaders.

[@shellymoss373]

I just love Giselle. Her channel is my go to when I want a reminder of how to practice gratitude and joy.

[@lisaturpen3308]

I love Giselle! I've followed and watched her from her first video! She is so sweet and spunky.

[@PetThePeeves]

Keep doing what you’re doing! Y’all are very good at looking at these issues with dignity and logic. And not alienating anyone! That’s so important

[@jared2.028]

🎉😊❤❤

[@kimkrebs451]

I agree

[@bandme796]

I grew up on an Air Force base in Alaska in the 1970's...of course it wasn't a religious community, but we mostly stayed on base, especially in the winter. For the most part, dad's worked on base, mom's stayed home, we went to school on base, we shopped on base, our recreation was on base etc. We were our own little community and only ventured off base on the very rare occasion. I remember when we would go off base and I would see men with big beards and long hair. We moved to California when I was 12 and that was a huge culture shock. I can imagine how hard it would be to leave the only culture you have ever known and start life all over again.

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Wonder of that’s wear the phrase “off base” came from

[@sarahmiller9670]

@@brooke_reiverrose2949 i think that's more a baseball reference

[@wietskewoordman329]

In Alberta Canada the schools have 2 teachers, an English (certified Canadian) teacher and a German (Hutterite) teacher. They do leave school when the kids are 15. When a colony reaches a certain size (I can’t remember for sure, but I believe it’s 150) they spilt and form a new colony. There are lots of Hutterite colonies around where I live, I’ve never met a Hutterite who was unfriendly to me. They seem to be polite and kind. Open to conversation as well.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you for the insight!

[@mienafriggstad3360]

FYI. .Not all 🇨🇦 Hutterite colonies have schools like that. My cousin got his teachers certification from a university in Saskatchewan. He now is a teacher and the principal at a large Hutterite colonie school in Manitoba. At his school girls as well as boys can attend school through grade 12; some go to college/ university for business or agriculture.

[@isaachofer171]

​@Growing Up in Polygamy could you do another video of hutterites.

[@andreaschadeck5596]

Along with the Hudderites and Mennonites, there were also colonies of Doukhobours around where I grew up in Canada. I never really saw them out and about but my grandma always bought her chickens from the Hudderites. They must all have similar origins as the Amish. Last summer we drove through southern Alberta and suddenly found ourselves in what must have been a colony. The farm operations were multi-million dollar set ups and we saw women gathering in big numbers out in the yards for picnic lunches. It looked like there were apartment buildings on the farms on the edge of the farmyard where the barns and silos were. Very interesting.

[@tracinicholson2019]

My ancestors on my dads side were doukhobours and lived in southern Saskatchewan

[@shurrieweatherman468]

When I was in college working on my social work degree, one of my professors had made friends with this group that lived right out of our city. As a class we had the opportunity to visit them at their colony. It was a very neat experience. They didn’t discuss their beliefs and just showed us how they lived. They lived in apartments and their was a main house. They had their own mechanics garage, wood shop, school. They raised their own food. They invited us to have lunch with them. Children ate first. The adults ate in the “lunch room”. Men on one side and women on the other. They prayed before the meal and after. It was amazing food. They said that they did marry outside of their group and that the woman moved to the man’s colony. They spoke German. And when they spoke English it was with an accent which showed how secluded they were. But, it was a pretty neat experience!

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Wow! So interesting. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us

[@paulamacdonald7070]

Yes they live almost like us "English" . As a child I was fortunate enough to have a couple of informal tours of a Colony near where my mother grew up. Just showing up and asking if there were any eggs or chickens available. They are often just as curious to learn about us as we are about them

[@glendathegoodwitch6987]

Before I watch this, let me say that the Hutterites seem to be special. They do not seem to be the least bit judgmental, claim that their way of life works for them, but it is not the only way, do not teach hatred or superiority, and found a way to be inclusive without undermining their culture and way of life.

[@Macwa223]

Would love to see Giselle on your channel and hear her story again. I subscribe to her channel too.

[@LisaR2392]

OOH MY YESSS!!

[@kelseygross3050]

It may be different from colony to colony, but I grew up near a colony and on the public school’s website are listed colony teachers. So, the kids at the colony were taught by teachers provided by the public district. My parents have a friend who is a former Hutterite and he still visits his parent regularly, so maybe that’s different from colony to colony, too. My parents buy a lot of meat and eggs from the colony and they make the best sausage in the area. 😅

[@sarahsmile40]

Love you two❤ so glad you got out of there and that crazy mess. Love your channel. Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences.

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you so much!

[@slconley]

It’s so interesting to hear the difference in these groups.

[@MarshaMartin-o3y]

Thanks so much for the shout-out! You guys are so cute! It was so fun to meet you. Also, I was seated by Addison who did one of your episodes and it was lovely to meet her, too! Love to you from me, Marsha!! :)

[@FaithBurnside]

Thanks for the shout out! Interestingly, the Hutterites are by far the oldest group, and also the least I guess "sinister"? They are pretty legalistic, but I know they are a bit better than most small groups. Imo better than the Mennonites

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Hi Faith! That's interesting. Funny you mention the Mennonites, our next video is going to be on the Mennonite group.

[@orangeisforlovers]

Another interesting Anabaptist group is the Bruderhof. They’re a more recent creation than the Hutterites, Mennonites, and Amish. Also, like the Amish and Mennonite, there are different types of Hutterites, some of whom are more conservative than others.

[@Kurlan1204]

I've been following Giselle for a couple of years. In her colony they do go to high school on the colony. Some go to college. Their children use technology as you'll see when you watch their manufacture of fire trucks. They shop in malls on occasion with money each person on the colony is given to spend on whatever they want. They go to fast food places when they have trips to town for dental or medical. She loves Starbucks! They can leave the community and return. Giselle left twice. She isn't shunned. Ladies rotate jobs. The men learn a trade. Some are community farmers, some work in the manufacturing arena. Watch more of her videos. It varies from colony to colony. She has never ever mentioned shunning.

[@nannandecinq7371]

Thank you for your comment. I too have watched Giselle's channel since she started and was a bit offended by some of the comments in this video. Hutterites are pretty close to just a small closed neighbourhood and can not be compared to FLDS in any sense.

[@anitadunn2817]

Yup. Ive watched many of her videos. She specifically says each woman gets a certain amount of money for their personal use. The men who work in the fire truck business get some sort of hourly amount for their contributions. I'm sure it's not a ton, considering all of their needs are met by the community, but they have extra to do as they wish

[@north40lady98]

She's not going to mention shunning because it would shed a bad light on the community.

[@Kurlan1204]

@@north40lady98 ah but she does mention it. And in her community, I think it's not used. Since she herself left twice and if you watch, she also has a tattoo which is also not allowed. She hasn't been shunned.

[@north40lady98]

@@Kurlan1204 That's the narrative thats portrayed. Don't believe everything you hear. Pretty sure her channel is being monitored by the colony.

[@rebeccaiwarere7202]

When I lived in Kentucky as a teen, I had some friends who were visited by a couple of girls who were Hutterites! The Amish also call outsiders "English." They told us we would be welcome to visit because we were never apart of the group but that someone who had left their group would not he welcome

[@susanmance9436]

Yes, I have lived somewhat near to the Amish and they do call outsiders the English. This would be a good group for Sam and Melissa to talk about too. Very nice people, but they do shun baptised members that leave. Also if Sam and Melissa want to dive into this, they will find that the rules vary a bit among the various Amish colonies.

[@janshe3597]

As do the Mennonites too.

[@carmenpelletier9201]

I am from Alberta, Canada, and we have several colonies, and as a child, I went to do a colony tour. They are a distinct community and faith, but are quite open to sharing their community farms with outsiders.

[@Yosetime]

Where I went to school in the prairies of Canada, some decades ago, it was tradition that in grade 5 we went on field trip to one of the many hutterite colonies near us. Mind you, this is VAST prairie land so 'near us' was still a good hour or two drive one way on the school bus. We napped. Because every mile looked exactly like the last one and all there was to do is count gophers and that got old fast. lol I remember being in awe of how they lived so perfectly together and how big the farm was. The land, the kitchen and eating hall, the barns, everything was so, so big! And the kids, I think right up to grade 1, got to nap on the school floor in the afternoons, on real mattresses. We were jealous! Everyone was kind to us. And we enjoyed learning about them. Of course the schools did this on purpose to continue to foster the good relationships we had with the many Hutterite colonies on the prairies. It was a reciprocal relationship. They came to town to buy things they couldn't make and brought with them the best eggs, meat, and grains that money could buy (even before the whole 'organic' thing became a thing). Anyone is welcome to stop at any colony anytime to buy farm produce or even trade something. They used to like trading a lot. I'm not sure what changed but they seem to come to town a lot more now, with their kids in family groups. They go shopping at Walmart and even take in local outdoor events. One time I saw a large family vacationing at a National Park. That surprised me. But we don't judge them. They've never seemed weird to us. Sometimes we meet adults who have left the colony. Perhaps not surprisingly but the men would be at the pubs and women at college. lol We have Mennonite colonies around too but I've never been to one. But they are all a part of our societies make-up and even though they do indulge in today's technology, it doesn't mean they are breaking some kind of rule. I think they are fascinating and probably a whole bunch more prepared for climate change and and natural disasters than the rest of us. At least Covid has zero effect on them. They had everything they needed! We do have Mormons here too. One of my good friends growing up was Mormon. She had a pile of siblings!! But the whole family was a bit off. I went to church with them once because I was having a sleepover at her house and it was 'required'. I wasn't religious, never really have been, but was always willing to learn about it (not adopt it, learn about it). Anyway, it was weird and my friends and most of her siblings looked stressed. Some 30 years later, I ran into her and she told me that her whole family left the religion as all the kids got older because it was getting to be too much, too strict, and weird. I asked ZERO questions of her and we held a cheer with our glass of rum and coke at the restaurant/pub we were at. My grandparents on my Mother's side were Jehovah. Her whole family were just so very loving and close. But my mom disliked that religion and so when she was 18, in 1966, she ran away and married the first drunk she could find and had 5 kids just before her 25th birthday! Needless to say, she didn't raise us in any religions, didn't trust any of them. Because of the way she was raised (not celebrating Christmas or birthdays and such) she only remembered to celebrate Christmas! And she did it in a big way even if we were very broke. We each had at least one thing. The rest of the year she'd forget our birthdays, Easter, refused to participate in Halloween, etc. It was a weird upbringing. Back to my point though, if ever a Fundamentalist Mormon group engaging in polygamy showed up here, they'd be run off ASAP. It's true that Canadians are kind, and we welcome people from all over the world to immigrate here. But we have our boundaries and polygamy is where we draw the line when it comes to religion.

[@jmksbk29]

The Amish and Mennonite call outsiders 'English ' too, I think there is alot of similarities which leads to the confusion they talked about

[@janshe3597]

I love Giselle Waldner’s channel, it’s interesting to see how they live communally. There are numerous colony’s across Western Canada, Giselle is in the Province (equivalent to a State) of Manitoba. Some members within Giselle’s colony attend Colleges and Universities. There is another girl, Adina Walters, who is also Hutterite, her father is the bishop of the Colony she is on, they do a few things differently than Giselle’s Colony does…She doesn’t post as often as Giselle does.

[@nicolebueckert8749]

Gisselle is awesome. I live in Manitoba Canada and have Hutterite colonies close to me. They are very generous people.

[@TheWinnipegredhead]

Manitoba has dozens of colonies. They generally grow to around 150 people at that point they spilt so a colony of around 80 would be newly spilt.

[@lisatakeitorleaveit]

Giselle is amazing ! Love her !

[@nekonoai]

I do too!!

[@moonviolet27]

Me too- such a lovely person💕

[@IlivebcuzHelovesme]

She is the best. Her videos always leave me feeling encouraged.

[@agirly1503]

Me too! 😊

[@LisaR2392]

Me too !! Love Adina Walter also!

[@allen9069]

Since Hutterite and Amish people speak German Dialects they use "English" to refer to English speakers (outsiders). They also learn English in school but I believe their main language is their German Dialect and worship is German.

[@tettivestberg2989]

I’m subscribing to Giselle’s channel and she had left the colony and tried to live outside but came back. Their homes are comfortable and modern. They are having pocket money and extras for Christmas and if you need for something special.

[@susanrichards7178]

There are a few Hutterite colonies in my area. After watching your channel I’ve been starting to want to find out more about them. Those ladies can cook!! They do speak German (I believe) with each other- maybe that’s why they call people outside the colony English? They have a specific clothing style for sure. They have schools on the colonies, but do bring some public teachers out to an extent. My friend taught music at the colony as part of her job with a public school.

[@kannakanina6552]

This was especially helpful as former Gloriavale member Lilia Tarawa’s friend Grace was from a Hutterite colony but her parents sent her to Gloriavale and she was assigned an overseer until she left Gloriavale when she was faced with an arranged marriage to Gloriavale’s mission in India (Gloriavale had more eligible women to marry than men so they began accepting marriages from the mission.). I did not know much about the Hutterite communities except that the founder of Gloriavale looked down on them despite using some aspects of their traditions when designing his community. Thank you, as always, for sharing your discoveries and perspectives!

[@tracyslover7302]

Yes! Giselle Waldner…love her!!

[@judytyler1870]

I've heard the name Hutterites but have never learned about them. Thank you for the info.

[@FaithBurnside]

Regarding the term "English" many anabaptist groups in America use that term, because the anabaptists during the protestant reformation came from Germanic nations. And in America all the other protestant denominations tended to be from English speaking countries, whereas the anabaptist immigrants were German speakers (or Swiss and Dutch usually as well). So it was previously a very literal differential, it is now just tradition

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

Thank you for the insight!!

[@BewitchedBeckatha]

Where we live in Pennsylvania, we're surrounded by the Amish and Mennonite communities, and there are quite a few similarities - they all originate from the same Anabaptist roots.

[@sjack4056]

In my province in Canada (Manitoba), there are approx 93 colonies. Colonies generally aren't much larger than low 100s as the colony can't sustain too many more than that. At that time the colony "splits" and a new colony is developed. Many/most colonies have a "speciality". The could be a turkey farm, machine shops, carpenters/kitchen cupboards. They have huge businesses on the colony that are suppported by people outside the colony! I taught music at 10 colonies and some were expremely conservative with no TV or internet to other's that were so progressive they were known for develping software programs.

[@Jeffersonmorant.]

That’s so thoughtful of you, Thanks for your positive review,How are you and how’s the weather over there?

[@mienafriggstad3360]

I completely agree with you. My cousin is a teacher and principal; his wife is an EA at a Hutterite colonie school in Manitoba that is less than five years old.

[@XenobiaWinterWolfMoon]

I go to sleep listening to American Colony: Meet The Hutterites and I also subscribe to Giselle. There are 3 subgroups of Hutterites. The colony in the show King Colony is of the Dariuslieut (spelling) which are like the moderate middle ground with strictness. The other two are Schmidleliut (spelling) which are the most liberal of them and then Laurelliut (spelling) the most strict.

[@margotchekan7467]

I never heard of this group until I went to school at south dakota. And apperently the elders sent one man to be a teacher.

[@katem2411]

Thanks for the reaction video. Im going to have to checknout this film. My grandparent's farm was near a colony and my cousin is a teacher there. Most of the Hutterites I've met are very kind people and there seems to be a lot of flexibility in their rules (although this seems to vary by colony).

[@elisemarie4894]

The Amish call outsiders English as well. Sam’s face talking about Christmas was the cutest thing ever, his joy made me smile so big! Love that he gets to celebrate. Sneak some presents to the creek! 🥰

[@kathywilliamson1802]

It is not unusual for Hutterites to get advanced degrees, preferably to bring back to advance the colony such as agriculture, electrician, etc.

[@bridgwll]

There is a group that have left if I recall they were dubbed “the nine” .. they left the Hutterite life. Some had the same last name as Giselle. I think the most they like to have in a colony is no more than 100. Giselle left her colony twice & came back.

[@mienafriggstad3360]

🙋‍♀️ we have lots of large Hutterite colonies up here in 🇨🇦. Some are very liberal while sticking to their strong Christian views. My cousin who is a Pentecostal Christian; is a teacher and principal of a school in a Hutterite colonie in Manitoba 🇨🇦 Girls and boys are allowed to attend school; through grade 12; some attend college for business or agriculture. My cousin's wife is a part time educational assistant at that school. Their children are homeschooled and attend the Hutterite school two or three days a week. They love everything they are learning about living off the land from the Hutterites.

[@kelliannawebb5738]

“Merry Christmas”. Sam is such a rebel!

[@dawnarlene8884]

I grew up in rural Saskatchewan, if your car was going to break down you wanted it to happen close to a colony. They are very generous, they are very helpful and donate to food banks.

[@mienafriggstad3360]

🙋‍♀️ Hi from North Battleford

[@ruffy99020011]

Lloydminster here

[@slconley]

@Melissa and Sam can you two talk about the fringe groups still attached to the LDS church. Like the preparing a people group.

[@devoe365]

Hutterite Colonies only ever grow to about 110-120 members before they split & form a new Colony. There were 370 Colonies in Canada in 2016, plus Colonies in the US.

[@colaw77]

There are also some in South America. I watched a documentary some time ago about a Hutterite colony that moved down there. Quite interesting.

[@laurenpayne8194]

Ive worked in a bakery for a few years, and one of the things we use a ton are potatoes for Lefse, and during the fall- winter we get our potatoes from the Huttarites, and its a godsend, hundreds of pounds of potatoes every few weeks that are high quality PLUS they give then pre peeled, we love our Hutterites !!

[@Tayzerfun]

Sam talking about loving Christmas is about the cutest thing ever. 🙂

[@MaineCoonMama18]

Your description of the Hutterites does remind me a lot of what I've heard about the Mennonites and somewhat the Amish (minus technology). The Amish also call outsiders Englishers. I'm guessing that is due to their German roots and many white Americans being English/ British (especially in the past).

[@leighannwagor5037]

There is another community, is the Bruderhoff.

[@karensoane5705]

Yes, Laura from the Bruderhof is how I’ve been learning about this community.

[@lhook7915]

I live around several Amish and Mennonite communities. They all call the rest of us 'English'.

[@paulamacdonald7070]

They do send some guys to trades schools to get their tickets to keep the work more in-house

[@accidentalaerialist371]

You sweet darling Western US people ❤ I don't think there are many communities with Anabaptist roots - the Hudderites, Mennonites, Amish - out in Utah. All these groups originated from post-reformation Germany - and settled in the Mid Atlantic and Midwest. I didn't meet a Mormon person until I was an adult but did go to school with reform Mennonites. Lovely people!

[@accidentalaerialist371]

Delaying baptism into the church is typical for the Anabaptist groups - the Amish young go out on a time-unlimted Rumspringa - being wild and experiencing the outside world - in order to evaluate if they really want to be dedicated to the community. I don't think the Hudderites/Amish/Mennonites can be compared to FLDS or LDS - kind of apples to oranges and entirely different religions. Dedication to community is much different that being a follower of a high-control leader

[@kimkrebs451]

Thanks for sharing. This is very informative.

[@janabomersbach4466]

Very interesting. I live in Texas. I never saw Amish in person until I visited Ohio. I met Mennonites who stayed at our church & with church members when my town had a horrific tornado. They came to clean up and use their Awesome building skills to get our city running again. They also came after Hurricane Harvey to clean and build In Rockport TX. I think these projects must be part of their church mission.

[@rachaelkopp3792]

Another great video. 🎉🎉 I have a ton of amish relatives on my Gpas side. I remember going to 1 family reunion as a child. I swear that a girl from this colony left on a tv show if im remember correctly. I dont find the Amish to be as culty as other religious groups. Very traditional/biblical as you said and less rules/fear tactics. I am always sending ppl to your page. ❤

[@kellycollins7356]

Speaking of Christmas we have a huge Christmas store in michigan open year round called Bronners You guys would love it

[@GrowingUpinPolygamy]

That's amazing!

[@SnarkyNarwhal]

Giselle has said in the past they don't get paid but they DO get an allowance every few weeks/months (I can't remember exactly how often) and they get allowances for holidays to buy gifts for their family and friends and such.

[@sharleneprosk4512]

They are never lazy, always helping for the good of the whole community

[@ruffy99020011]

I read a Book a Hutterite wrote (Living Hutterite) a few of his friends and him planted Marawana ( spell check ) in the field, and the police found out , when they heard they were coming , they hid their Marawana in with the tea leaves to be harvested , and the preacher got some of the tea (SUNDAY MORNING) he said that was the best sermon he ever preached.

[@lisakread8487]

I grew up in Great Falls, Montana during the 1960’s & 1970’s. Hutterite Colonies were scattered around Great Falls and throughout the central part of Montana. Their industry was agriculture. They grew organic vegetables and chicken. They used to go door-to-door selling their chickens. I believe they now sell their meats and produce @ Farmers Markets. Their vegetables are huge and chickens so delicious. While growing up, the Hutterites kept completely to themselves. It was rare to get eye contact with them. They wear specific outfits they sew and create themselves. They speak an old dialect of German and would speak broken English. Nowadays, their English is quite good. The women were in charge of the children. They lived in these long houses which were like apartments that each family would be assigned to. The entire colony would share meals though they were separated by sexes - men with boys and women with girls. When I was growing up, they were never allowed to have any kind of electronics - TV’s, radios, musical recordings, etc. They believed that if their members had any of these modern devices, they would be too tempted by the world and would leave their colony. Something changed after I grew up, as it is common to see them with cell phones now. They were not allowed to come into town much - except for doctor’s appointments and to pick up a few supplies. They always drove these extra long vans that were white. They still do this. All white. If a van was carrying women and children, there was usually a man with them. If a member violated some rule of the colony, they could be kicked out. If they were kicked out, it was very difficult for them to be allowed to return. Your podcast seemed to indicate that they may not be as strict with that. You were right in saying that their kids are not allowed to attend public schools. They would be homeschooled in their colony. Often times their education would only go through the 8th grade. Boys were taught agriculture skills while girls were taught domestic skills - cooking, sewing, crochet, taking care of kids, etc. I was surprised to hear that through your research, they may now be allowed to finish their high school education. The Hutterites consider themselves to be a Christian group. Only men are allowed to be elders. You are right in stating that in regards to dating, a future mate will be suggested to them through another colony. They never marry within their colony. Now since I have grown up, the Hutterites are more engaging with members of the community or city they live near. Eye contact can be had. Nevertheless, they are still cautious around outsiders. The city I grew up in, kind of shunned them because of how different they were. They enjoyed their meats and produce, but otherwise, left them alone. They were referred to as ‘Hutts’.

[@Jeffersonmorant.]

That’s so thoughtful of you Lisa, Thanks for your positive review,How are you and how’s the weather over there?

[@thuggie1]

I can see why you would wear a headscarf. If you are doing farm work, it makes sense it would keep your hair clean. My nan would her hair done then when she went outside would put one on but that was due to the pollution at the time.

[@TeresaBranham]

I love Giselle and Adina Walters also has a YT channel and she’s great too. I don’t know if you noticed Giselle even has a tattoo and they aren’t forced into marriage men or women. I’ve watched both Giselle and Adina from the beginning of their channels, I’d never heard of Hutterites until I found their channels.

[@Ajsupermonkey]

I had left Adina's channel linked in a previous video for Sam and Melissa and they did reply to the comment. Giselle has more content though so I can understand why her channel has been noted here. I really love both girls and the view into their communities that they provide.

[@crlacrla]

Technically, Adina Walter's group isn't a part of any of the 3 Hutterite sects because of differing Biblical beliefs. I live not too far away from this group and appreciate them. I believe you can Google Fort Pitt Farms to learn more!

[@monicam4738]

Lol I believe I asked Giselle the arranged marriage question;) Not that I'm interested in that type of lifestyle, but I do love learning about other people and cultures from both of ya'll's channels. I appreciate that you guys and Giselle seem very honest and respectful of others. By the way, have you guys done any research on Orthodox Jews? I just found a few channels on youtube, and their culture is also very different and interesting.

[@elainebryant1124]

I think what you share is so interesting!

[@npl3533]

I've subscribed to Giselle's channel and have seen all her videos. I'm very interested in religious/ christian spirituality and communities (have been raised catholic (liberal) myself). I view the Hutterites a little bit like I view monastic communities (except the fact that you are born into the Hutterite Community). You stay there voluntarily (you decide as an adult) and every community has its boundaries and rules (wouldn't work otherwise). I like that women in the Hutterite Communities are treated as equals (though they can't be religious leaders, just like in the Catholic church, so no surprise there...) at least in daily life. What I don't like is that the jobs are assigned by gender...

[@bobbiemach2499]

The Amish in the US also call outsiders "English". Hudderites and Amish seem very similar ...except acceptance of technology by the Hudderites.

[@bobbiemach2499]

Again Amish base a lot of their rules and practices on tradition and rules set by the Bishops not guided by the Bible

[@bridgwll]

They are similar because they are both Ana Baptist.

[@jodymerkel4940]

From Saskatchewan we have Hutterites every 100km away every direction,nice people we have a few friends on some of the different colonies around us! Just wanted to say they do make a new colony after they get so many new couples and colonies are feeling like there bursting at the seems (what we where told) they will buy an area that has enough land to sustain them all that will make the move! They at least don’t force there sons and daughters away they want them there some do leave but are welcomed home if they wanna go back ,most don’t go back they love the devices to internet and gaming the younger ones that meet a boyfriend or girlfriend they won’t go back with them if they wanted to,but they do meet each other but have regular wedding some come to wedding most don’t they only come for church service part of course (this varies from colony to colony!! Most colonies are in Saskatchewan Manitoba and Alberta Canada I know none in British Columbia but they have bountiful of course! Oh also wanted to say they have only one spouse and no more and can pick their spouse on the colony! Love from a Saskatchewan nana ❤️🇨🇦🙏

[@mienafriggstad3360]

🙋‍♀️ Hi from North Battleford; I completely agree with you. FYI my cousin is currently a teacher and principal; and his wife is a part time EA; at a Hutterite colonie school in Manatiba; the school is less then two years old; the colonie is less then five years old; an offshoot of another colonie.

[@jodymerkel4940]

@@mienafriggstad3360 my aunt was a teacher for one of the maple creek colonies for yrs till she retired she absolutely adored the children their during her career there!! I’m from a small town about 1 1/2 hr from Battleford we go there every summer to camp for a few weeks love the lake and beaches there !

[@graceb9628]

The grocery store I used to work at stocked eggs and chicken from a nearby colony. I didn't have much interaction with the Hutterite men who delivered the items, but they seemed to be courteous. Though I do know it is a very structured life.

[@alisalaska1786]

I enjoy the hutterite vlogs. It seems to be a decent community. Not something I would ever be interested in, but less restrictive and abusive than other secluded communities. And the food looks bomb 😆😆😆

[@shawneeday629]

Their food is amazing! My favourite is the fried chicken it’s so good! And they have the best buns too

[@shimmyalot]

@GrowingUpinPolygamy random question but is that a backdrop behind you or is that an actual brick wall?

[@MandaShell]

The Amish call outsiders "English" too. I think Mennonites do too, and I think Mennonites can use technology like the Hutterites. I know Amish get help for their businesses and driving from English sometimes, but I think Mennonites can drive themselves around. I've always thought both groups were fascinating. The dedication to simple-living the Amish seem to have is really impressive to me.

[@esthervonepp8908]

The Canadian Hutterites live in colonies and you can find a lot of info on their beliefs and structure. There are many vlogs here about them. I come from Mennonites..the more modern ones but there are also groups who live within an area and are farmers like the Hutterites..most of them have clothing restrictions and worshipping traditions. One group is refered to as the bearded Mennonites..the males are clean shaven til they marry then they grow the beard and keep it always. Women in all these groups do have quite a bit of respect and are allowed freedoms altho clothing and hair are regulated. Head coverings are biblical..many take the scriptures literally so a woman is expected to cover her head..some believe their hair is their covering..so muchto learn from them.They tend not to have only one leader..usually its a group of men that regulate and guide the whole community.Mennonites were founded in the 1400s by an ex Catholic priest ..Menno Simon..this group split and the other group was led by mr Ahman..they became the Amish...I am just venturing into the history of these peoples

[@adoptgdx651]

I live next to many Hutterite colonies. For the most part they are kind and lovely people. The one criticism most people have is that they do not contribute in ‘community building’. Where i live there are a LOT of Hutterite colonies

[@marilynpapiewski6213]

Would you please make a video in which you review the Bruderhoff? Also, why does the FLDS not celebrate Christmas or Easter?

[@shawncooper7086]

I am a new order Mennonite and raised as a Mennonite and English. My dad is an old order mennonite and my mom is English. So us nine kids were raised under the new order Mennonite way of life and raised under the English way of life. I am married to my Amish husband. He comes from an old order Amish community in chilli in South America. We are raising our four kids under the mennonite way of life and the Amish way of life.

[@amberworthington2576]

We have a few different Hutterite colonies in South Dakota! Hillcrest Meats is owned by them here, they have their own store, are available in grocery stores here. We see them in town a lot.

[@lucied7291]

A Mary-Ann Kirby wrote a book (I am Hutterite) about her experience when her family left the Hutterite colony in Southern Manitoba when she was a child. It's written in a positive way and very interesting.

[@kayleemaendel9509]

No, her book is not something to be endorsed. It is a false and untruthful portrayal of hutterites. She very much cherry picks and puts certain things far out of context. She comes from the colony that I’m from, and much of what she mentions in the book is not true. Even the title of her book is a lie. She is not a hutterite, she left at a young age. She is a ex-hutterite, who has no more hutterite roots than anyone else of mainstream society.

[@junethefirst1532]

there’s another community Hutterite-esque called the bruderhof. there’s a bunch of the communities around on the east coast; another anabaptist group

[@Spillers72]

The Hutterites are close in religious beliefs to Amish, but they use technology and live communally. We have them in Montana. Hutterites maybe on the surface may look like the FLDS, but because they are closed off and dress conservative. That's where the similarities end. Religious beliefs, culture, tradition, ect are way different. I used to live in Southern Utah before moving to Montana so I've seen both groups.

[@lisaheffernan3507]

Check out Hutterites in South Dakota. There are several colonies near where I grew up. Unfortunately, not all hold women in as high regard as you mentioned.

[@leighannwagor5037]

Oh, good! You did refer to Giselle's channel. There is another one who has a channel called, only she isn't that active. Especially right now, she is teaching, Adina Walther(sp). She comes from a community that was completely excommunicated from the Hutterite Colonies because they are for liberal, if you will.

[@natashadavis2959]

Both of these ladies are fantastic. ❤

[@Ajsupermonkey]

Yes! I love both those ladies!

[@kimkrebs451]

Thanks for sharing

[@oyinbobaker]

I personally have met hutterites when I lived in Calgary for a year (I am German) They have modern tractors, machines to work, Mobile phones

[@CountryASMR]

There is a girl from Canada who is a Hutterite named Adina Walter who documents there life. Her father is the head of their colony.

[@33snowgal]

There are so many hutterites around where I live, I never thought about the connection to FLDS! Really interesting

[@tripyytr33]

Grew up in a small town close to a few Hutterite colonies. Our family had hired men from a couple of the near by colonies for the farm. When I was 18, I was working at a grocery store and had a man (Hutterite) offer me 10 grand to have a child for him and his wife. Where I live (Alberta Canada) there are actually laws about how far apart a Hutterite couple have to live away before tying the knot. I believe the number is 5 colonies apart. That law was put into place because of children being born with disabilities. I also know a few men that were offered money ($100) to also help with genetic diversity. If you're blonde and have blue eyes, get offered more money. Do have to say, the Hutterite buns slap. Some of the best food products that I have bought has been from my local Colony.

[@heehee7161]

I'm also from Alberta, and I agree

[@edwardhofer7123]

As a member of a colony I will say that this would not be tolerated or excepted at all in any community

[@angelaferguson2305]

I’m from Alberta too and my mom is a physio. Before she retired she would go to Hutterite schools to treat special needs kids.

[@tripyytr33]

@@edwardhofer7123 From my outside perspective and working alongside many different colonies I can say it (egg or sperm donation) isn't something every colony out here does. I understand why some do it and some do not. But the way that it was offered to me was very creepy. I can definitely say it was a one off experience. As most of the interactions I have had with members of the Hutterite community have been wonderful. With that being said, I have had many experiences with men from 2 colonies in specific that were distasteful. But that is on those specific members. Not the community as a whole. However it only takes a few bad eggs to spoil the whole batch.

[@tripyytr33]

@@jared2.028 Every community has problems no matter the religion or belief. I think it comes to a head when there is a power imbalance. Those who are told that they are righteous and need for nothing straight out of the womb until they die are the ones that will cause the most harm and distress. Again, no matter the community. Whether that be Catholicism, fundamental religions (AUB, The Order, FLDS, ETC), or Orthodox Judaism... the list goes on. In my opinion, I think that no religion should have one specific speaker of 'God(s)'. It should be a counsel of people (men and women) that are from mixed walks of life. So that the power can balance itself out. However, unfortunately that isn't the way the world of religion works.

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

As a Catholic, we are baptized as a baby. So it's fascinating to me there are religions where baptism occurs as a child or any other age. Fascinating!

[@ElsaLoui]

Great video!!

[@untinnedgoldfish8840]

I love that you guys are exploring other religious cultures and sharing your thoughts. It's interesting for sure. In all walks of life their are good and bad. With the Hutterites it's the same. There is a family who wrote a book about leaving. It's called The Nine, Our Story to Freedom. The Hutterite community I believe in Manitoba is where they were from and they were kicked out. The left with nothing. It's a sad story but the family has turned around and become a support for others.

[@jillsifer]

You might (?) know that most Amish groups refer to non-Amish as English. I'm not absolutely certain but I think both Amish and Hutterites have their early doctrinal roots in the Anabaptists. I LOVE what you do and I love your passion for helping people escape from sects where they don't want to be. Much love, j

[@chelseagirl278]

same as the Mennonites

[@monicamacneille3372]

I'd love for you to cover the 12 Tribes of Israel here in Vermont. I was tempted to join them when I was a teen.

[@1951kvk]

0In Canada, we have 370 colonies which are usually just over 100 individuals. Some follow a more strict way of life and some don't. They all have a great reputation especially among their neighbors.

[@Ailise2123]

I grew up in an area with a number of colonies nearby, my aunt and uncle have a farm and built a neighbourly relationship with the nearby group. We would buy chickens and turkeys from them for holidays. Actually, my brother and I were pulled out of the ditch this passed December by some Hutterite lads who’d been going up and down the (extremely icy) highway with their tractor. They joked that they’d actually had one tractor get stuck so they went back and got the bigger one. I speak German so when I’m at a farmers market, I make a point to buy produce and drop a quick “Gut morgen” to the ladies. I know they have problems but they’re very much a part of my Canadian life.

[@jared2.028]

Hallochen😀. You must be from alberta?

[@cellokimmy]

Calling the outsiders the English is definitely an Amish thing. They don’t follow the same theology at this point but I’m guessing somewhere a long time ago they split from the same root.

[@lornam3637]

Yes, they are all Menonites in origin. They believed in adult baptism and therefore had to flee religious persecution in Europe. The reason they wear 'odd' clothing is actually ironic since they basically wear the same things they always have and didn't follow fashion.

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

I love Giselle! I’m pretty sure it was through her that I found you both. Lol. Adina Walter also makes great videos, but posts less frequently

[@meomy29]

Quite a long time ago I read that the show didn't exactly portray that group of Hutterites accurately.