Ukrainian Refugees Find Work and Hope in North Dakota
DICKINSON, N.D. – Maksym Bunchukov vividly remembers the sounds of rockets exploding in his hometown of Zaporizhzhia when the war in Ukraine broke out. Fearing for the safety of his family, he sent his daughter to the city of Lviv, and soon after, he and his wife joined her with their pets. Now, 18 months later, Bunchukov and 15 other Ukrainians have found themselves in North Dakota, echoing the footsteps of their ancestors who migrated to the state over a century ago.
This group of new arrivals is part of a pilot effort by the Uniting for Ukraine humanitarian program, facilitated by the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Bakken Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers program. With a workforce shortage in the state, these initiatives aim to recruit refugees and migrants to fill the gap. Twelve more Ukrainian workers are expected to arrive by mid-August.
For many of these workers, the hope is to bring their families to North Dakota or eventually return to Ukraine. Speaking about his family, Bunchukov stated, “I will try to invite my wife, invite my daughter, invite my cat and invite my dog.” The Bakken program serves both a humanitarian and a workforce mission, according to Project Manager Brent Sanford, who witnessed the boom of the Bakken oil field during his tenure as mayor of Watford City.
The oil boom in North Dakota attracted workers from all over the country and even abroad, drawn by the high-wage jobs resulting from technological advancements in drilling and fracking. However, recent challenges such as the economic downturn in 2015 and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic have caused many workers to return to their home states or seek opportunities in warmer and more populated cities.
This shift has led to a pressing workforce shortage in North Dakota, with an estimated 2,500 job openings in the oil field producing 1.1 million barrels per day. To address this issue, the Bakken program has turned to Ukraine, citing similarities in climate and agrarian traditions. The program’s sponsors have committed to providing support to Ukrainian workers, including assistance in finding employment, healthcare, schools for their children, and affordable housing.
Since its inception, the Uniting for Ukraine program has brought approximately 160 Ukrainians to North Dakota, primarily in Bismarck. State Refugee Coordinator Holly Triska-Dally notes that applications from prospective sponsors have increased significantly in recent months, reflecting the success and progress of Ukrainians already settled in the state. Although the number of arrivals may not seem substantial on a national or statewide scale, their presence will make a significant difference in cities like Minot and Dickinson, which have not traditionally been major resettlement hubs.
Among the newcomers is Dmytro Haiman, who credits his English skills for leading him to the Bakken program. Haiman, who experienced the war firsthand in his hometown of Chernihiv, hopes to work in water transportation and use the opportunity to support his family and contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine.
The Bakken program aims to recruit a total of 100 workers by the end of 2023, with a goal of 400 workers after one year. These workers will start in various jobs within the oil industry, with starting wages of $20 per hour and the potential for rapid advancement. Program participants are granted “humanitarian parole” for two years, with the hope of eventually providing them with a path to residency.
To ensure the smooth integration of Ukrainian workers into their new environment, the program has enlisted the help of translators and provided assistance with forms, training, and community acclimation. Employers have also made efforts to secure housing for the workers until they can find their own accommodations.
The Ukrainian Cultural Institute in Dickinson has also played a role in supporting these newcomers and preserving their cultural heritage. The institute has raised funds for humanitarian aid and serves as a gathering place for the Ukrainian community. At a recent lunch hosted by the institute, Ukrainian workers gathered around a map to point out their hometowns while enjoying traditional Ukrainian dishes.
Although some of the workers do not plan to stay in the U.S. long-term, they view the opportunity as a chance to gain valuable experience and support their families back home. Ivan Sakivskyi, an Odesa native working for a road contractor in North Dakota, expressed his love for Ukraine, stating, “My heart and my soul are in Ukraine. It’s my friends, it’s my family.”
As North Dakota continues to face workforce shortages, the influx of Ukrainian workers offers a glimmer of hope for the state’s economy and communities. With their skills and determination, these newcomers are poised to make a significant contribution to the oil industry while enriching the cultural fabric of North Dakota.