52 I Ukraine—Rooted in Resilience: Exploring the Nation's Historical Journey (Tamara Cunitz, Part I)

Summary:

We dive into Ukrainian immigrant's and refugees' experiences and historical context with our guest, Tamara Cunitz. She shares her family's journey from Ukraine to the US during World War 2 and how it has fueled her passion for nursing and community health. As the executive director of the NASHI Immigrants Health Board, Tamara illuminates the cultural diversity within Ukraine and explains the waves of immigration driven by political and social upheaval, from the forced famines under Stalin to the recent conflicts triggered by the Russian invasion. We also explore how language, religion, and resilience shape Ukrainian identity and diaspora communities in Washington state, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both the challenges and the strengths of the Ukrainian people.

Overview:

Introduction to Tamara and her work, background, and refugee context
Barriers to vaccination and creation of NACI Immigrants Health Board
Diversity in Ukraine: ethnic groups and languages
Language politics and identity in Ukraine
Historical waves of Ukrainian immigration to the US
Impact of historical trauma and Holodomor famine
Distinction between immigrants' and refugees' experiences
Ukraine’s independence and current invasion by Russia
The current wave of Ukrainian refugees and settlement patterns
Resilience and strength of the Ukrainian community

Resources:

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