Ukrainian Ethno-Cultural Centers in Almaty City and Almatinskaya Oblast: Current Situation and Challenges

Ethnic Ukrainian population has been part of the multiethnic society of the Republic of Kazakhstan for a long time. Since late 1980s numerous ethno-cultural centers were created in Kazakhstan, becoming sources of ethno-cultural identity maintenance and means of self-realization for various ethnic groups. This article elucidates the role of the Ukrainian ethno-cultural centers in Almaty city and Almatinskaya oblast that pursue threefold mission: support and maintaining of ethno-cultural identity of Ukrainians, realization of the Doctrine of National Unity of Republic of Kazakhstan and maintaining friendly relations between Republic of Kazakhstan and Ukraine. It also illustrates the challenges that representatives of Ukrainian ethno-cultural community are facing (aging, few contacts with Ukraine, mix of identities). The current state of ethno-cultural centers, as well as potential reasons for their low effectiveness, is examined. Article is based on first-hand information about the day-to-day activity of ethno-cultural centers, including participatory observations and interviews with official representatives of those centers.