The memory of Poles deported to Kazakhstan resonated throughout the Polish Parliament.
This marks an important milestone in the long-standing mission of the Museum of Siberian Memory—to preserve and promote the history of Poles deported to the East. The memory of Siberia and the deportations has become part of the public discourse within one of the most important institutions of the Polish state.
The exhibition was opened in connection with a resolution adopted by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland commemorating the 90th anniversary of the deportation of Poles to Kazakhstan. The resolution was prepared with the Museum’s substantive support. Opening the exhibition together with its creators, MP Krzysztof Truskolaski, who initiated the resolution, emphasized: “Our actions and joint efforts are a tribute to the Polish families deported in 1936 by the authorities of the USSR.”
MP Barbara Okuła also addressed the audience, highlighting the role of Parliament in preserving historical memory:
“We are here, as the Sejm and as parliamentarians, to remind people of and tell these overlooked, tragic stories—in Poland, but also abroad. This will also be the subject of today’s special subcommittee meeting, where we will discuss how to tell difficult, uncomfortable, and painful histories.”
The presence of eyewitnesses and repatriates gave the event a particularly profound dimension. Their presence was deeply moving, as it is for them and thanks to them that memory is preserved. They remind us that the Museum’s work is not only about creating exhibitions, but also about taking responsibility for safeguarding the memory, identity, and truth of the experiences of deported Poles.
The Director of the Museum of Siberian Memory, Professor Wojciech Śleszyński, drew attention to the importance of cooperation among numerous institutions:
“Today, together, we form a community—not only the Museum of Siberian Memory and the Museum of the Second World War, but also many other institutions represented here. Together, we are taking part in the commemorations of the 90th anniversary of the deportation of Poles to Kazakhstan. Thanks to this cooperation, the Polish-Kazakh Historical Commission was established for the first time in the history of our two countries. Since 2022, it has been working to deepen our understanding of the still not fully uncovered truth about Poles deported to the East.”
Following the exhibition opening, a meeting of the Standing Subcommittee for the Promotion of Polish Culture Abroad took place. The Director of the Museum of Siberian Memory also participated, presenting a historical overview of the deportations and the programme of the 90th-anniversary commemorations.
One of the most significant moments was a panel discussion featuring repatriates. Their testimonies—filled with pain, memory, and resilience—served as a powerful reminder of why this mission is so important.
The opening of the exhibition at the Sejm of the Republic of Poland demonstrates that the mission of the Museum of Siberian Memory is being fulfilled wherever the memory of deported Poles deserves to be heard loud and clear.
The exhibition will be on display at the Sejm of the Republic of Poland until 14 June 2026.
