DICKINSON, ND – Ukrainians, along with many Germans and Norwegians, accounted for most of the European settlers who landed in North Dakota. Now, their descendants worry about what lies ahead for the country’s drive for freedom following Russia’s invasion.
The Ukrainian Culture Institute (UCI), based in Dickinson, said locals with ties to the country are watching the developments with great concern.
Kate Kessel, executive director of the Institute, said through the Homestead Act, Ukrainian immigrants came to North Dakota for farmland. Younger generations are now steeped in the American way of life as well.
Photo North Dakota Historical Society
But she pointed out they still worry about loved ones back in Ukraine facing the possibility of going back to Soviet-era rule.
“Ukraine just celebrated their 30th anniversary of freedom, so they are a young country yet,” Kessel explained. “The people, they don’t want to go back to their communists and be under communist rule. ”
According to recent polling from the National Democratic Institute, roughly 75% of Ukrainians want to become a fully functioning democracy. World leaders opposed to Russian actions, including U.S. President Joe Biden, say the invasion is an attempt to reestablish the former Soviet Union.
The UCI was established in 1980 to preserve Ukrainian culture in North Dakota. Kessel noted as older immigrants and descendants retired, a number of them passed down their farms to their children. They are heartbroken to see loved ones across the globe not fully enjoy the freedoms they were afforded after coming to the U.S.
“Many of the older Ukrainians, they still have family, distant cousins, back in Ukraine,” Kessel emphasized. “And of course, you know, any unrest over there in their homeland is very concerning to them.”
Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions, saying, “Our thoughts are with those of Ukrainian heritage in North Dakota.” The governor also expressed concern about North Dakota farmers and businesses with interests in Ukraine.
