Seminar on indigenous peoples in Russia

Dmitry Berezhkov (Itelmen from Kamchatka) is coming to Tromsø and Manndalen to give us some insight into the situation of indigenous peoples in Russia; how do the indigenous peoples communicate with regional and federal authorities? What kind of challenges do RAIPON and indigenous peoples meet when they promote indigenous peoples’ issues? Are there any good examples of cooperation between indigenous peoples, authorities and industrial companies in Russia?

Over 41 indigenous peoples groups inhabit the Russian Federation, and in particular the northern part (depends on how you define “North”). Large parts of Russia’s industrial activity, in particular extractive industry, take place in the traditional areas of indigenous peoples, which is considered “untouched wilderness” by peoples from Moscow. The oil- and gas fields in Yamal get a lot of attention, and the pipelines penetrate important reindeer pastures.

The seminar is hosted by the Norwegian Barents Secretariat and the Centrer for Sami studies at UiTø.

RAIPON was established in 1990 by representatives from various indigenous peoples and serves today as an umbrella association for these peoples. Dmitry Berezhkov is well experienced from working for RAIPON and is currently employed temporarily as an adviser at the Norwegian Barents Secretariat in Kirkenes.