Modernization of Ethnic Minorities: Spatial Game and Reconfiguration

“Ewenki” ( Эвенки ) is a nomadic group scattered in Northeast Asia, who spent their hunting-gathering life peacefully in the forest for generations since they resettled at the right bank of Argun River. However, the geopolitics of East Asia has changed dramatically last century, an ancient world with blurred borders was reaffirmed as a sovereignty with clear boundaries, a feudal dynasty transformed into a new nation-state. The Argun River happened to be identified as the Sino-Russian border river. Thus, the Ewenki was officially recognized as an ethnic minority and the area where they inhabited has experienced a series of spatial reconfiguration in the next decades promoted by local government, designed to bring modern life and development to the tribe. The paper will explore these spatial games and representations including the construction and re-shape of the border, interpret the displacement, transition, and new lifestyle that the Ewenki experienced, and finally, reflect on the discourse of development.