The challenges facing the Arctic’s Indigenous peoples were the focus of the final day of the «The Arctic Our Global Neighbourhood« forum, held last week in Petrozavodsk, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Karelia.
On May 24, Petrozavodsk State University hosted the fourth and concluding session of the forum, titled «The Impact of International Relations Crisis on Arctic Indigenous Peoples: Seeking Solutions for Sustainable Dialogue.» The discussion brought together experts on Arctic Indigenous issues, as well as representatives of *Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North (ISPN)*. The session was moderated by Antonina Gorbunova, Deputy Chair of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Threats to Cultural Identity and Sustainable Development
Sergey Timoshkov, Advisor to the Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, delivered a keynote speech on «Sustainable Development of Arctic Indigenous Peoples in the Context of International Cooperation.» He highlighted urbanization and cultural homogenization as the primary threats to Arctic Indigenous communities.
«Unlike many other countries, Russia has successfully preserved the national identity of most Indigenous groups, allowing them to maintain their traditional way of life,» Timoshkov noted. Efforts are underway to protect languages, cultural traditions, and historical records. However, he stressed the need for an international standard in safeguarding Arctic Indigenous rights and fostering dialogue between major corporations and local communities, as industrial activities directly impact their livelihoods.
Timoshkov also called for greater attention to the practical needs of Arctic residents—from specialized transport and housing to healthcare, education, and food security.
Declining Populations and Cultural Preservation
Raisa Samodaeva, Representative of the Karelian Congress, presented a sobering report: according to the 2023 census, only 32,000 Russians identify as Karelians, marking a 43% decline in recent years. She outlined ongoing initiatives to preserve Karelian culture both within and beyond the republic.
Legal Rights and International Cooperation
Vasily Nemeckin, Associate Professor at Mordovia State University, urged stronger advocacy for the electoral rights of Arctic Indigenous peoples, as well as their access to quality healthcare and education. His report, «International Cooperation as a Driver for Indigenous Advocacy,» examined key challenges and potential solutions.
The session also featured contributions from Tania Pariona Tarqui, a representative of the *Inter-American Continental Network of Arctic Indigenous Women (Peru)*, who addressed climate change and biodiversity conservation as critical issues in Indigenous diplomacy.
Closing Thoughts from a UN Expert
The discussion concluded with remarks from Alexey Tsykarev, a former UN Expert on Indigenous Rights (2013–2022) and Program Director of the *»Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of Russia: School of Public Diplomacy»* initiative.
Additional topics included reindeer herding, traditional crafts, and wildlife conservation—essential aspects of Indigenous life in the Arctic.
Arctic Age will continue to feature insights from the forum in its «Opinions» section. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage.
Forum Sponsors:
- Karelian Investment Company «RBC»
- Segezha Group
- Arctic-2 Data Centers
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