Experience of observation of indigenous minorities and ethnic minorities of Karelia

• Published in: IOP conference series. Earth and environmental science 2019-07, Vol.302 (1), p.12080
• Main Authors: Radikov, I, Pitukhina, M, Tolstoguzov, O, Volokh, V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1755-1307; 1755-1315
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/302/1/012080

The article discusses some specific aspects of indigenous peoples' rights exercise by Karelians, Vepsians and Finns - small-numbered peoples and ethnic (national) minorities located at the Republic of Karelia. As part of the study, a tool for assessment their rights exercise at the Republic of Karelia was developed. A so called observational passport of indigenous minorities was developed. This paper is based on indigenous peoples' survey results organized in autumn 2017 in all municipalities of the Republic of Karelia. Difference in indigenous peoples' rights exercise is substantiated in terms of 4 sectors (economic, social, cultural, and religious) and 3 levels (low, medium, high). The indigenous people survey results has showed that despite difficult economic situation 61.5% would not want to leave the Republic of Karelia. Among those who expressed a desire to leave the region - 42.5% - would like to go to another country (not Finland), 30% would like to leave Karelia for another region of the Russian Federation; 12.5% would move to another region inside the Republic of Karelia. Rather unhealthy lifestyle of indigenous people was identified at surveys' social block. Religious bloc is predominated by Orthodox religion exercise and participation at traditional religious wedding ceremonies. Survey results for the cultural bloc have recorded a strong preservation of traditions and culture - half of respondents regularly cook national meal. The research found that Vepsians are dissatisfied with their rights exercise in each of the 4 sectors of the study; Karelians and Finns are characterized by an average degree of satisfaction in their rights exercise.