Photo credit: the press service of the Russian Ministry of Education / edu.gov.ru (CC BY 4.0)
The International Day of Indigenous Peoples is celebrated on Wednesday, August, 9, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports. Its main goal is to draw attention to the origins ofnational cultures. This day is aimed at developing interest and respect for the customs of peoples. The MFA is sure that now, when global geopolitical changes are taking place, this is of particular importance.
For Russia, this day is also important. Almost 200 nationalities have lived in the country for many centuries, speaking 270 languages. About 50 of them are indigenous peoples. They are under special protection from the state, since they are bearers of collective and individual rights. Among them, there are 40 indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of Russia. They live in more than 30 Russian regions.
Russia treats with care the unique diversity of customs, traditions and languages. The Foreign Ministry called them a common invaluable asset.
The UN General Assembly established the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples almost 30 years ago. There are almost 400 million people on the planet who represent indigenous peoples. They are carriers of 5,000 different cultures and the vast majority of the world's languages, the total number of which reaches 7,000.
In Russia, indigenous peoples are those who live in the territories of settlement of their ancestors. It is believed that they should preserve the traditional way of life, economic activity and crafts. The number of their representatives does not exceed 50,000 people, they are aware of themselves as independent ethnic communities.
Russkiy Mir
