News
Nina Zaitseva 80
On 25 May, linguist Nina Zaitseva, known as the “mother of the Veps written language”, celebrated her 80th birthday. Nina Zaitseva was born in 1946 …
Fenno-Ugria yearbook 2025 published
Fenno-Ugria’s latest yearbook focuses, among other things, on fascinating political documents: Hannele Valkeeniemi, Director of the Finnish Institute, provides an overview of Russian influence operations …
Brussels: presentation of Fenno-Ugria's report and opening of Piret Räni's exhibition
On 21 May, the opening of Piret Räni’s exhibition “Animals in the Mythology of Finno-Ugric Peoples” took place at the Estonian Embassy in Brussels. At the same time, Barbi Pilvre, director of Fenno-Ugria, gave a half-hour overview of the situation of Finno-Ugric peoples in Russia in recent years, based on a report commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Winners of Ilmapuu Award 2026: Vote Ekaterina Kuznetsova and Komi Nikolai Kuznetsov
Since 2010, the Kindred Peoples’ Programme has presented the Ilmapuu Award to recognise individuals whose civic initiatives have contributed to the preservation of the cultural …
The Estonian National Museum brings exhibition on Finno-Ugric hunting traditions to Finland
The Estonian National Museum (ENM) has opened an exhibition titled “The Peoples of the Northern Forests” at the Finnish Hunting Museum in Riihimäki, Finland. Opening …
With Putin's permission, the Nenets remain an indigenous people
On 30 April 30 of this year, the Day of Indigenous Small Peoples was celebrated for the first time in the Russian Federation, in accordance …
Komi Language and Writing Day celebrated by Komi Republic
On 17 May, the Republic of Komi celebrated Komi Language and Literature Day. The republic’s leaders congratulated the residents of Komi, emphasising the importance of the Komi language and noting that the celebration was part of the Year of Ethnic Unity proclaimed by the President of Russia.
Indigenous peoples' situation in Russia criticised by UN Forum
At the 25th session of the UN Forum on Indigenous Peoples, a report titled “The Crime of Being Indigenous” was presented, which analyses the pressure …
Day of the Mari Hero celebrated also in Tartu
The Day of the Mari Hero has been celebrated in Estonia since 1994. This year, the celebration took place at the House of Literature in …
Mordvin Languages Day celebrated by quotes from Putin
The Russian Federation celebrated Mordvin Language Day on 16 April 2026. A dictation contest featuring quotes from Putin was held, and a drive to collect humanitarian aid for the “Mordovia” tank battalion was launched.
Competition for Ilmapuu Award 2026
Nominations for the Ilmapuu (World Tree) Award under the Kindred Peoples’ Programme are now accepted. Nominations may be submitted until 5 May 2026. With the Ilmapuu Award, …
Summary of Fenno-Ugria Report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On 17 March 2026, Fenno-Ugria Foundation presented a report it had been commissioned, titled “The Situation of Finno-Ugric Peoples in Russia 2022–2024/25,” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The report was compiled and edited by Barbi Pilvre, Director of Fenno-Ugria. Authors include Jaak Prozes, Advisor to Fenno-Ugria; Madis Arukask, Chairman of the Board and folklorist; Sven-Erik Soosaar, Board Member and linguist; and Vasily Nikolayev, Editor of the Mari news portal MariUver.