On Defining and Registering the Indigenous Peoples of The North, Siberia and the Far East: Legal Process Documentation and Ramifications

ABSTRACT Discussion of a new Federation of Russia law that requires Indigenous people to register and be identified as members of “numerically small peoples” is provided by a leading expert, who has served as an advisor to officials and Indigenous leaders at many levels. The clumsy application of the law, as well as possibly divisive intents behind the restrictive listings of Indigenous individuals, has created fear within many Indigenous communities of Russia. Successful registration in some communities is as low as 10 percent. At stake is not only identity but lands, resources and definitions of livelihood. Analysis includes Indigenous voices, and specific cases of exclusion that point to trends of resources development and land grabs winning over human rights in Russia.