Reindeer herders of northern Yakutia: a report from the field

• Published in: Polar Record
• Main Author: Vitebsky, Piers
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1989
• Subjects: General Earth and Planetary Sciences; Ecology; Geography, Planning and Development; Polar Record; Yakutia; Siberia
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247400010810; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247400010810

Abstract The Eveny of northeastern Siberia live mainly by reindeer herding. Though this is highly economical, since collectivization it has progressively separated the nomadic herders from their families in the centralized villages. This leads to a low birth-rate and the estrangement of children from herding. Under percstroika, labour is being reorganized into a system of contracts. Though the aim is to increase efficiency, this may also allow families to live and work together again. However, logistic problems, such as schooling, remain. These developments are taking place against a background of increasing ethnic consciousness and open public debate on policy.