The adoption of the resolution will be accompanied by the opening of the exhibition Deported to the Steppe: The Fate of Polish Exiles and Their Families in Kazakhstan. The exhibition will be displayed in the main building of the Sejm from June 10 to June 14, 2026.
The resolution, prepared with the professional support of the Sybir Memorial Museum, pays tribute to Polish families deported by the Soviet authorities in 1936. The exhibition is one of the key elements of the international programme commemorating the 90th anniversary of the deportation of Poles to Kazakhstan.
During today’s press conference, MP Krzysztof Truskolaski spoke about the significance of the Sejm’s resolution:
“The Sejm adopted this resolution by acclamation. It is very important that we remain united on historical matters and share a common perspective. Remembering the deportations is of utmost importance, and the Sybir Memorial Museum is the perfect place to discuss these events.”
MP Barbara Okuła emphasized the importance of remembering the Poles who still live in those regions and who, despite the passage of time, continue to cultivate Polish traditions.
“We must commemorate these people and show that, although they were deported and torn from their homes, they had the strength to survive and preserve their Polish identity. It is our role—as Members of the Sejm and representatives of local government—to speak about these Poles,” she added.
“We are pleased that the Sybir Memorial Museum is becoming the focal point of the celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the first deportations of Poles to Kazakhstan and that it serves as a voice for those who, due to the passage of time, will soon no longer be able to share their experiences,” noted Tomasz Klim, Deputy Mayor of Białystok.
Events related to the anniversary will take place both in Poland and Kazakhstan. The commemorations will culminate in September with the opening of an exhibition at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana. Prof. Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, spoke about the historical context of the deportations.
“They were among the first victims of mass repression carried out by the Soviet regime, deported from eastern and central Ukraine—which at that time was part of the Soviet Union—to the distant steppes of Kazakhstan. Today, it is their descendants—the third and sometimes even fourth generation—who are returning to Poland. We remember them as well.”
“Thank you for your support, Members of the Sejm and representatives of the authorities of the City of Białystok. Let us remember our history together,” concluded Prof. Wojciech Śleszyński.
The commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the deportation of Poles to Kazakhstan serves as a reminder of one of the most dramatic chapters in the twentieth-century history of the Polish nation. It is a story of forced displacement, but also of extraordinary resilience, survival, and an enduring commitment to Polish identity despite the harshest conditions.
Remembering the victims of the deportations is our duty to history and to future generations.
Celebration schedule:
