On state support of traditional economy of indigenous minorities in the Arctic

Abstract

Development of traditional economy of North indigenous minorities is the key basis of preservation of their most important ethnic features. Currently their main traditional economic activity is reindeer herding, which is unlike any of the other activities generally based on production technology and organization that appeared many centuries ago. Such organizational system of economic activity preserving unique culture, language and traditions determines nomadic lifestyle of reindeer herders, low production efficiency and income level of people. Although nowadays there is virtually no alternative. In this situation state financial support of the field is the key element of economic and ethnic policy. In order to prove the need of such policy and its directions this article analyses natural and economic conditions of development of this field and makes relevant conclusions and recommendations.