CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTING STATE ETHNIC POLICY BY THE MIGRATION SERVICE AUTHORITIES OF CHERNIVTSI REGION (2003–2004)

Abstract

Based on previously unpublished documents, this article reveals the peculiarities of cultural and educational mechanisms for implementing state ethnic policy by the migration service authorities of the Chernivtsi region in 2003–2004. The early 2000s marked the beginning of a new approach to ethnic policy, in which the migration service authorities not only performed control functions but also actively participated in the social and cultural integration of Ukrainian communities abroad. Adherence to the principles of historicism, objectivity, and systematicity as the methodological basis of the study contributed to a comprehensive analysis of the activities of the region's migration service authorities during the specified period. This approach made it possible to move away from a narrow regional focus and present the functioning of the migration service authorities in the Chernivtsi region as a relevant component of the process of implementing a nationally consolidated policy in the field of migration. The introduction of previously unknown archival sources into scientific circulation has made it possible to thoroughly investigate communication mechanisms and trace the evolution of strategic partnership with the diaspora in the context of turbulent domestic political processes. Systemic obstacles that negated the potential for constructive communication in the educational, cultural, and linguistic vectors of interaction were identified. Key practical achievements were identified that demonstrated effectiveness in supporting and preserving the ethnocultural identity of Ukrainians abroad. The dominant nature of cooperation was focused on interinstitutional interaction between educational institutions in the region and public associations of Ukrainians abroad. The intensification of information activities ensured coverage of the challenges facing the diaspora and support for domestic book publishing. The coordinating influence of the region's migration service authorities in providing Ukrainian-language literature to Ukrainian diaspora communities ensured an adequate level of study of Ukrainian history and culture. It has been proven that the participation of the region's migration authorities in ensuring the rights and interests of Ukrainians abroad has become an instrumental basis for preserving objects of historical memory outside Ukraine.