Indigenous peoples of Yamal put forward proposals for improving their living conditions

In Nadym, Dmitri Artyukhov, Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, met with representatives of ‘Yamal Potomkam’, an organisation representing the region’s indigenous peoples. The aim of the meeting was to contribute to the development of a programme that would enable the district’s centenary in 2030 to be celebrated in a fitting manner.
At the meeting, representatives of the indigenous peoples, led by the organisation’s president, Eduard Jaungad, put forward proposals that could support the development of indigenous communities.

Proposals

The representatives of the indigenous peoples sought assistance in advancing the careers of young indigenous representatives, ensuring they have opportunities to work in their chosen fields and resolving their housing issues. They also called for field-based intensive training programmes in the tundra for young professionals, covering, for example, training in drafting grant applications and developing communication skills. It was felt that particular attention should be paid to the preservation of indigenous languages. For example, a proposal was made to create digital platforms for learning the Nenets and Selkup languages, and to organise language immersion camps for children. Representatives of indigenous peoples also called for the introduction of a salary supplement for staff who are proficient in indigenous languages and who work on indigenous issues. Projects aimed at improving local living conditions were also discussed, and a proposal was made to introduce micro-grants of 100,000 roubles (1,000 euros) to be awarded under a simplified procedure.

Reality

Given the situation facing Russia’s indigenous peoples and their activists – such as the imprisonment of Daria Egereva, who is campaigning for the preservation of the Selkup language – as well as the deaths of members of Russia’s indigenous peoples on the Ukrainian front, it can be argued that Yamal Potomkam and Jaungad are mere puppets of the Russian central authorities and hypocrites who remain silent on the real problems facing indigenous peoples.