Ukrainians in Alaska: A Diaspora Without Unity, or A Step Towards Unity of the Ukrainian Diaspora in Alaska. Realities of the Present

Mykola Taran — a Ukrainian activist in Alaska, an ultramarathon runner, a five-time ultramarathon record holder, organizer of charity runs in Europe and the USA, and a donor-ambassador of the presidential charity platform UNITED24.
 

Alaska is one of the most remote states in America. It is considered one of the most beautiful and coldest states, home to many Americans, including Ukrainians. Speaking of the total number of Ukrainians, there are not many, and they are scattered across different cities. However, the largest number of Ukrainians live not in the state capital, Juneau, but in Anchorage.

There are cities where Ukrainians make up 25% of the population. However, only about a thousand people live in such cities. There is a separate section in stores where Ukrainian products can be found.

Many Ukrainians arrived over a hundred years ago. Due to the climate, adapting to this state has always been and will be challenging. It is also known that Alaska was not always part of America. Therefore, there remains a significant pro-Russian influence here, which undoubtedly affects Ukrainians. The Ukrainian diaspora is practically not developing.

I won't lie: Russian-speaking churches and certain individuals who say, "Language doesn't matter," have a significant influence here.

I came to live in Alaska because it was my dream. Initially, a marathon in Anchorage was planned, and a month later — a marathon in Juneau, which can be reached by plane or ferry because there is no road connection. 

By the way, in Juneau, I became the first Ukrainian finisher in the history of these competitions. After that, I decided to stay. 

The plan always included organizing a running charity event for uniting Ukrainians for the first time. I reached out to the New Chance Church, which helps Ukrainians. They did not support. Later, I found out that they have a Russian influence and language doesn't matter to them. The church positions itself as Russian-speaking. Naturally, its representatives refuse to contact me.

During the year, an important event took place — Putin's visit. Protests were organized by Americans. Ukrainians joined if they wished, but there was no message in the groups.

Regarding groups on social networks: all groups support the Russian language.

 They do not have clear rules regarding its prohibition.

This was a reminder to the world on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The main Facebook group that existed in Anchorage before my arrival did not have a clear position on language. Even after my question about the Ukrainian language, I received no response.

A strange observation this year: Ukrainians so generously congratulated everyone on U.S. Independence Day, but on Ukraine's Independence Day, they were silent on their social networks. Of course, I didn't expect anyone: I took the flag and went to the city center.

 I spent two days in the center: on the Day of the State Flag of Ukraine and Ukraine's Independence Day, but I didn't see a single Ukrainian there. 

And tell me, where can a pro-Ukrainian diaspora come from if everyone says that language doesn't matter?

For me, it's strange that Ukrainians, fleeing the war, have not gotten rid of everything Russian.

I didn't think long, decided to create the first group where language matters — Ukrainians in Alaska/ Українці на Алясці 

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LWVZAkeHq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This pro-Ukrainian group is a reminder of the war in Ukraine, a source of news from Ukraine, and a space for people who are ready to post information about their services that can help Ukrainians adapt in Alaska. Yes, this group has existed for less than a year, but there is hope that I can elevate it to a high level. I hope that this group, where the Ukrainian language matters, will help develop the Ukrainian diaspora.

If we delve into history, Ukrainians appeared here at the beginning of the 20th century, arriving from Eastern Europe. And after the purchase of this state by America, Ukrainian Cossacks remained here.

 But the language issue has always stood apart. Why does everyone keep silent about this issue as if it is not relevant?

 There was even a publication here, but it was bilingual: in Russian and English.

A new era has begun, and the situation needs to change because the Ukrainian diaspora needs the Ukrainian language.