Russia calls for reviving the work of the Bering Strait Regional Commission to include representatives of the indigenous population, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said during a meeting at the Council for US-Russia Relations (RAPP) on Tuesday. "The participants of the Pacific Partnership include the Arctic regions of the two countries, Antonov … Continue reading Russia Calls For Restoring Work Of Bering Strait Regional Commission – Antonov
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Archive iR. One of the biggest German investment company began to get rid of the Nornickel shares
German corporations must demand that Russian extractive company Nornickel respect indigenous rights and environmental standards – or end business deals After more than 21,000 tons of diesel leaked from a power plant tank in May 2020, causing the largest oil spill in the Russian Arctic to date, the company responsible, Nornickel (Norilsk Nickel), had to … Continue reading Archive iR. One of the biggest German investment company began to get rid of the Nornickel shares
Archive iR. Mega oil project in Russia’s far north threatens Arctic indigenous communities
Rosneft is developing a massive oil project on the Taymyr peninsula with 15 towns, a port, two airports and 800km of pipeline Gennady Schukin has returned to his flat in the city of Dudinka, above the Arctic circle, from a 600 kilometre trip to round up his reindeer. At this time of year in this … Continue reading Archive iR. Mega oil project in Russia’s far north threatens Arctic indigenous communities
Archive iR. Tjan Zaotschnaja. People tell me that they would be questioned by the secret service about our conversations
Tjan Zaotschnaja grew up on Kamchatka, a Russian peninsula, in an indigenous hunter family. As a member of the Itelmens people she campaigned for human rights in the former Soviet Union until 1980, when she was expelled from the country and came to Germany. Since then, the now 70-year-old has acted as an intermediary between … Continue reading Archive iR. Tjan Zaotschnaja. People tell me that they would be questioned by the secret service about our conversations
Indigenous peoples call on Nornickel’s global partners to demand environmental action
Nornickel’s multibillion-dollar worth mining- and metallurgical plants on the Siberian tundra are key to deliver metals for the electromobility industry. The company produces one third of the global supply of nickel and has some of the largest factories in the world for copper and cobalt. All three metals are in growing demand as Europe, Asia … Continue reading Indigenous peoples call on Nornickel’s global partners to demand environmental action
Stop the terror against human rights organizations and civil society in the Russian Federation. Written statement submitted to the UN Human Rights Council
Human Rights CouncilForty-sixth session22 February 19 March 2021Agenda items 3 and 4Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Written statement* submitted by Yakutia - Our Opinion, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status. The Secretary-General has received the following written statement which is … Continue reading Stop the terror against human rights organizations and civil society in the Russian Federation. Written statement submitted to the UN Human Rights Council
Vulnerable Communities: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected Indigenous People in the Russian Arctic?
By Pavel Devyatkin With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the world has found itself in a global health emergency, which has caused a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and brought normal life around the world to a halt for the better part of a year. The Arctic Institute’s COVID-19 series offers an … Continue reading Vulnerable Communities: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected Indigenous People in the Russian Arctic?
In Russian tundra tragedy, up to 80,000 reindeer might have starved to death
Herders in the Yamal Peninsula despair as thick layers of ice prevent their animals from getting access to the indispensable lichen. Locals in the far northern Russian region believe between 60,000-80,000 animals might have died of starvation over the past few months. The tragedy follows the formation of a thick layer of ice across major parts of … Continue reading In Russian tundra tragedy, up to 80,000 reindeer might have starved to death
Second Letter to BASF on Nornickel. “BASF must take action to address NorNickel’s violations”
Representatives of Indigenous Peoples, environmental and human rights organizations criticize BASF for not taking action to address NorNickel’s impacts to Indigenous Peoples of Russia’s Far North Dear Dr. Dohrn: Thank you for your response of December 4, 2020. We appreciate that you recognize NorNickel’s history and legacy of severe environmental incidents. Unfortunately, based on the evidence … Continue reading Second Letter to BASF on Nornickel. “BASF must take action to address NorNickel’s violations”
BASF response letter
Friday, 12/4/2020Dr. Matthias Dohrnmatthias.dohrn@basf.com Dear Ms. DeLuca, dear Mr. Sulyandziga,Thank you for your letter. We appreciate civil society concerns as important support of our sustainability due diligence management. As you mentioned, BASF is strongly committed to fostering a responsible andsustainable battery materials supply chain. Nornickel has experienced severe environmental incidents and has a legacy to … Continue reading BASF response letter
Russia Should Get Behind Arctic Ban on Dirty Fuel
In recent years, Russia has emerged as a global leader in the production and transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The projects are highly innovative, mighty impressive, and very expensive. However, Russia’s strides in switching to LNG in the Arctic will be hindered by their reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO). HFO, known also as bunker fuel or … Continue reading Russia Should Get Behind Arctic Ban on Dirty Fuel
Russia’s indigenous peoples are in the crosshairs of COVID-19
In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases in Russia have surged. On October 21, Russian officials announced a record daily death toll of 317, but ruled out a strict lockdown. The pandemic has laid bare and exacerbated the inequalities of societies the world over, and Russia is no exception. Now activists have raised concern for the fate of 250,000 people belonging to … Continue reading Russia’s indigenous peoples are in the crosshairs of COVID-19
Window on Eurasia: Ussuri Activist, Now in US Exile, Recalls First Real Elections in His Home Region in 1987
Paul Goble Staunton, November 8 — It is easy to forget if one lives in a country where voting in multiple candidate elections have taken place for decades or even centuries how new that idea is in the Russian Federation where the first genuinely competitive voting took place less than 35 years ago in 1987. … Continue reading Window on Eurasia: Ussuri Activist, Now in US Exile, Recalls First Real Elections in His Home Region in 1987
Aborigen Forum response to the “Development strategy for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and ensuring national security through 2035”
Open Statement Aborigen Forum is an informal alliance of independent experts, activists, leaders, and community organizations representing indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East. Aborigen Forum expresses extreme concern about the approval of the Arctic zone development strategy through 2035, which, in essence, is an updated state program for national economic development … Continue reading Aborigen Forum response to the “Development strategy for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and ensuring national security through 2035”
First Letter to BASF on Nornickel
November 10, 2020 Dr. Stefanie WettbergSenior Vice PresidentInvestor RelationsBASF SE Dr. Michael BaierSenior Vice PresidentGlobal Battery MaterialsCatalysts DivisionBASF SE Via E-mail: Stefanie.Wettberg@basf.comMichael.Baier@basf.com Dr. Wettberg and Dr. Baier: We understand that BASF SE has long-standing business relationships with Nornickel. Wealso understand that BASF has publicly stated its strong commitment to fostering a responsible and sustainable battery … Continue reading First Letter to BASF on Nornickel
Nornickel is “cynical, corrupt and socially irresponsible”, says Russia’s top legislator
Following a parliament visit to the far northern company town of Norilsk, the Federation Council and its Speaker Valentina Matvienko expresses shock and outrage about company mismanagement and massive pollution in the Arctic. After decades of massive ecological destruction in the Russian North, federal officials appear to have decided that time has come to slap … Continue reading Nornickel is “cynical, corrupt and socially irresponsible”, says Russia’s top legislator
Another smoggy Sunday in the town with factories owned by Russia’s richest man
Nornickel’s pollution cloud covering the fragile taiga forest on the Kola Peninsula comes only a few days after CEO Vladimir Potanin said a company that pays high dividends to shareholders must be able to spend serious funds on ensuring sustainable development. People driving the Kola highway have seen it before. Like in late July when … Continue reading Another smoggy Sunday in the town with factories owned by Russia’s richest man
Organization Sign-On Letter to Tesla: Respect Indigenous Peoples in your Supply Chain
Dear Elon Musk, CEO Tesla, Inc. It has come to our attention that Tesla is actively seeking to establish long-term contracts with nickel producers. In this regard, we, the undersigned representatives of Indigenous Peoples, environmental and human rights organizations, experts and representatives of academia reiterate a call from Indigenous Peoples of Russia urging Tesla NOT … Continue reading Organization Sign-On Letter to Tesla: Respect Indigenous Peoples in your Supply Chain
Tesla urged to respect indigenous rights in supply chain by not sourcing from Norilsk Nickel
Over 70 NGOs have signed on to a letter urging Tesla to respect Indigenous rights in its supply chain, by not sourcing nickel mined by Nornickel (Norilsk Nickel), until the company makes effort to address the minimum standards set out by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This request comes after major … Continue reading Tesla urged to respect indigenous rights in supply chain by not sourcing from Norilsk Nickel
Investors Shrug as Tesla Promises $25,000 EV in Three Years
While Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk promised a US$25,000 electric vehicle within three years, driven by dramatic production cost reductions and performance improvements, for battery cells, his highly-touted Battery Day event earlier this week ended up disappointing investors looking for a bigger announcement and faster results. Tesla’s plans add up to a 56% reduction … Continue reading Investors Shrug as Tesla Promises $25,000 EV in Three Years
How Nornickel Became the Arctic’s Biggest
One Russian company releases more sulfur dioxide into the air than the whole of the U.S. Ecologists often joke that Europe owes its clean skies to the dirty sky of Norilsk — and there’s more than a shred of truth in this assertion. The Nornickel mining and metallurgical company supplies metals to 37 countries, where … Continue reading How Nornickel Became the Arctic’s Biggest
Russian Indigenous communities are begging Tesla not to get its nickel from this major polluter
Maddie Stoneon Sep 21, 2020 Every year in August and September, the people of Ust’-Avam, a remote indigenous community located in the Taimyr region of the Russian Arctic, toss nets into the Avam River to catch tugunok fish, an important traditional food. This year, the community stopped fishing early, around the start of the month. … Continue reading Russian Indigenous communities are begging Tesla not to get its nickel from this major polluter
The UN Human Rights Committee asked Russia about violations of the rights of indigenous peoples
In the run-up of the review of the Russian Federation’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN Committee formulated a list of questions to the Russian authorities, based on alternative reports of civil society, including the report of ADC Memorial and the Myski city organization “Revival of Kazas and the Shor … Continue reading The UN Human Rights Committee asked Russia about violations of the rights of indigenous peoples
The dirty secret behind your ‘green’ electric car
The automotive industry is driving growing demand for nickel, critical for batteries, despite the pollution that production can cause. President Putin ordered a state of emergency after a large diesel spill caused widespread damage in the Ambarnaya River outside Norilsk in Siberia this summerMARINE RESCUE SERVICE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES As Tesla shares continued their stellar rise last … Continue reading The dirty secret behind your ‘green’ electric car
The Saami Council supports appeal from indigenous leaders regarding NorNickel
The Saami Council supports the appeal from indigenous leaders and experts of the Russian Federation to Mr. Elon Musk and Tesla, to refrain from buying nickel from NorNickel until the company implement indigenous peoples’ rights and fulfill its environmental obligations. A sustainable future requires responsible industry and business, and the development of so-called sustainable solutions … Continue reading The Saami Council supports appeal from indigenous leaders regarding NorNickel
Dmitry Berezhkov. The problem of civil resistance against unlawful environmental decisions in the context of dispersed settlement of the small-numbered indigenous peoples of the Russian North
More news coming lately from Russia are covering organized civil resistance against decisions taken by the authorities or the business, aimed at economic and infrastructural development and natural resource extraction but deliberately worsening environmental conditions and viewed as unjust by the local communities. The widely publicized names of Kushtau and Shiyes become proverbial in present Russia. But there are … Continue reading Dmitry Berezhkov. The problem of civil resistance against unlawful environmental decisions in the context of dispersed settlement of the small-numbered indigenous peoples of the Russian North
The Federal Security Service (FSB) took control over the creation of the new registry of indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, Siberia and the Far East
Compilation and maintenance of the list of small-numbered indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation became another function of the governmental system of monitoring in the sphere of interethnic and interreligious relations and early conflict prevention to be operated by FADN (Federal Agency of Ethnic Affairs). An appropriate ruling was signed by the Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail … Continue reading The Federal Security Service (FSB) took control over the creation of the new registry of indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, Siberia and the Far East
The Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Peoples Has Received Little Attention in Russia
August 31, 2020 Maria Stambler The most vulnerable part of the Russian population that can expect the greatest risk of lifestyle changes under the influence of climate change are the indigenous peoples (map of ethnic groups across Russia, in Russian). The Russian indigenous peoples’ movement represents 40 indigenous peoples. As this map indicates the majority … Continue reading The Impact of Climate Change on Indigenous Peoples Has Received Little Attention in Russia
The appeal to IP leaders on the #AnswerUsElonMusk public campaign
Dear colleagues, indigenous sisters and brothers, As you may know, in early August Aborigen-Forum, an alliance of experts, leaders, and organizations of indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of Russia, appealed to Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, Inc. Forum members are calling upon Tesla to boycott any products made by … Continue reading The appeal to IP leaders on the #AnswerUsElonMusk public campaign
Kemerovo authorities ban construction of coal loading station, crack down on protesters
Anti-Discrimination Centre “Memorial” continues to monitor the situation in the village of Cheremza, Kemerovo region, where on June 13, 2020, local residents began their peaceful protest against the activities of “Kuznetskiy Yuzhny” coal mining company, which had started building its coal loading complex near residential buildings without getting proper authorization. For two and a half months now … Continue reading Kemerovo authorities ban construction of coal loading station, crack down on protesters
The Aborigen Forum statement on the police detention of journalist Vyacheslav Krechetov
We, representatives of the Aborigen Forum network of independent experts, activists, leaders, and organizations of indigenous peoples of Russia, are extremely outraged by the detention on August 24, 2020 of a journalist, ecologist, and human rights activist - Vyacheslav Krechetov. He and two other tent camp participants, which was set up this summer near the … Continue reading The Aborigen Forum statement on the police detention of journalist Vyacheslav Krechetov
#AnswerUsElonMusk! A Global Appeal by Aborigen Forum
Dear friends, Brothers and sisters, indigenous peoples, members of social and environmental organizations, people who are concern of pollution issues, climate changes, sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity on Earth. In early August Aborigen-Forum, which unites experts, leaders and organizations of the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of Russia, appealed … Continue reading #AnswerUsElonMusk! A Global Appeal by Aborigen Forum
‘The Fish Rots From the Head’: How a Salmon Crisis Stoked Russian Protests
Fishermen on the Amur River in Russia’s Far East Plentiful salmon used to be one of the few perks for residents of Russia’s Far East. Then the fish vanished, and many local residents blamed President Putin. OZERPAKH, Russia — A row of stakes hundreds of feet long pokes out of the endless estuary of the … Continue reading ‘The Fish Rots From the Head’: How a Salmon Crisis Stoked Russian Protests
The COVID 19 impact on indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East
An extended report by Aborigen-Forum, Centre for the Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Arctic Consult, and Batani foundation. This is extended report prepared by Gennady Schukin (Aborigen-Forum, Russia), Rodion Sulyandziga, PhD (Centre for the Support of indigenous Peoples of the North, Russia), Dmitry Berezhkov (Arctic Consult, Norway) and Pavel Sulyandziga, PhD (Batani Foundation, … Continue reading The COVID 19 impact on indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East
Denis Sangi. Degradation of federal law “On guarantees of the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation”.
At the outset, it should be noted that there are two key rights for indigenous peoples around the world. This is the right to ownership of ancestral lands and territories, and the right to self-government and independent decision-making about their own development. The significance of these rights is reflected in international normative documents. On April … Continue reading Denis Sangi. Degradation of federal law “On guarantees of the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation”.
Dear Mr. Elon Musk: A Letter From Russian Indigenous Peoples About Nickel Mining Pollution
A network of independent experts, activists, leaders, and organizations of Russian indigenous peoples has called on Tesla CEO Elon Musk to boycott a Russian mining company until it meets specific ecologically-sound conditions. The letter to Musk acknowledges that Nornickel is an international leader in nickel production but is “also a global leader in environmental pollution.” … Continue reading Dear Mr. Elon Musk: A Letter From Russian Indigenous Peoples About Nickel Mining Pollution
In the Cheremza tent camp of indigenous activists in the Kemerovo region, police have started to detain protesters
This morning, August 13, 2020, an escalation of confrontation began in a protest camp near the Shor village Cheremza in the Kemerovo region. In this tent camp, indigenous and local activists have protested against a new coal mining project "Kuznetskiy Yuzhny" during the last two months. Police detained several protesters. The initiator of the protest … Continue reading In the Cheremza tent camp of indigenous activists in the Kemerovo region, police have started to detain protesters
Indigenous Peoples Of Russia’s Far North March Against Nornickel
The protest was deemed peaceful and allowed to continue NORILSK, Russia -- Representatives of the indigenous peoples of Russia's far northern Taimyr Peninsula have marched against operations of the world's largest palladium and nickel producer -- Nornickel. Dozens of members of the Nenets, Nganasans, Dolgans, and Enets communities marched in traditional dress across the industrial Arctic … Continue reading Indigenous Peoples Of Russia’s Far North March Against Nornickel
Bloomberg. Russian Arctic Peoples Appeal to Elon Musk for Nornickel Boycott
Elon Musk Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg A group of indigenous people in Russia are asking Tesla Inc’s Elon Musk to stop buying supplies from miner MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC until the company compensates them for environmental damage to their ancestral lands. “The lands of indigenous people appropriated by the company for industrial production now resemble a … Continue reading Bloomberg. Russian Arctic Peoples Appeal to Elon Musk for Nornickel Boycott
Denis Sangi. The arrest of the People’s Deputy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Arsentiy Nikolaev
Yesterday, on August 10, 2020, there was information about the arrest of the People's Deputy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Arsentiy Nikolaev. This is a man “from the earth”. Representative of the Evenk indigenous small people. A professional reindeer herder and a practical manager. Arsentiy Nikolaev Nikolaev Arsentiy Prokopyevich Olekminsky single-mandate constituency No. 12. … Continue reading Denis Sangi. The arrest of the People’s Deputy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Arsentiy Nikolaev
Galina Edin. I feel responsible for my people
Galina Edin is a Russian journalist, broadcaster and social activist and a member of the mansi indigenous peoples from the Khanty-Mansi (Yugra) region. She is one of the co-founders and an active member of the community organization which helps Russian indigenous youth adapt to urban life when they come to cities, seeking education. The Russian Federation … Continue reading Galina Edin. I feel responsible for my people
Violation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Resulting from Coal Mining Operations in Southern Siberia: a new report of ADC Memorial
To mark the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, ADC Memorial published a report: “I Won’t Have Any Life Without This Land”: Violations of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Resulting from Coal Mining in Southern Siberia. The open-pit coal mining inflicts irreparable harm to the traditional territories of the Khakas, Shor, and Teleut peoples … Continue reading Violation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Resulting from Coal Mining Operations in Southern Siberia: a new report of ADC Memorial
Russian Indigenous groups call on Elon Musk not to buy battery metals from Nornickel
Tesla is a world leader in electric cars, while Nornickel is a global leader in environmental damage. This doesn’t match, claims Aborigen Forum, a network of independent experts, activists and Russian indigenous peoples NGOs who see their homeland being destroyed by pollution. The company that recently made international headlines for causing environmental disasters on the … Continue reading Russian Indigenous groups call on Elon Musk not to buy battery metals from Nornickel
An appeal of Aborigen-Forum network to Elon Musk, the head of the Tesla company
Corporate Secretary, Tesla, Inc.3500 Deer Creek Road,Palo Alto, CA 94304United States Dear Mr. Elon Musk, We are addressing you as representatives of Russian Indigenous Peoples. We stand united as “Aborigen Forum,” an informal association of experts, activists, leaders and organizations of Indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian … Continue reading An appeal of Aborigen-Forum network to Elon Musk, the head of the Tesla company
Rodion Sulyandziga. The era of colonial time is not ended
Climate change is also a human rights agenda. As indigenous peoples, we should move forward from the status of victims of climate change to originators of sustainable development and solution agenda, in order to create a strong climate resilience community at the global level and particularly at the local one. The respect and recognition of … Continue reading Rodion Sulyandziga. The era of colonial time is not ended
Let’s Celebrate Indigenous Families Split Between the U.S. and Russia
Alaskan Statue of a Russian Governor in the context of U.S.-Russian Ties. A new monument to an Indigenous family split between the United States and Russia would honor familial connections and remind residents and tourists of an important part of Alaska’s history. The statue of the Russian colonial administrator Alexander Baranov will soon leave its site in downtown … Continue reading Let’s Celebrate Indigenous Families Split Between the U.S. and Russia
Arctic Council Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat. New Law on Entrepreneurship in the Russian Arctic Supports Indigenous Communities
#propagandepartment #arctichairmanship Sustainable economic development is an integral part of the sustainable development agenda of the Arctic Council, aimed at enhancing long-term development in the Arctic region, applicable and valuable for Arctic communities. In June 2020, Russia adopted a new Law on State Support of Entrepreneurship in the Arctic. The new Law creates economic grounds … Continue reading Arctic Council Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat. New Law on Entrepreneurship in the Russian Arctic Supports Indigenous Communities
Sea hunters’ school in Chukotka begins practice classes / TASS
#propagandepartment #arctichairmanship In April, the district authorities supported an application from the school organizers and allocated 1.2 million rubles ($17,000) for the program’s further development. TASS, July 17. First practice classes were organized in Chukotka’s school of Young Sea Hunters. The classes were organized at ethnic villages - Inchoun and Uelen - on the Arctic … Continue reading Sea hunters’ school in Chukotka begins practice classes / TASS
COVID-19 in Russia. The impact on indigenous peoples’ communities. Aborigen-Forum position paper
Aborigen Forum is an informal network of 42 independent experts, activists, leaders, and indigenous organizations from 21 regions, the Russian Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East. The mission of Aborigen Forum is to protect and realize indigenous peoples' rights by tracking and analyzing legislation, monitoring the state of land rights, national and international partnerships, and … Continue reading COVID-19 in Russia. The impact on indigenous peoples’ communities. Aborigen-Forum position paper
The Arctic Council news. The impact of COVID-19 on indigenous peoples living in the Russian Arctic.
by the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North. According to data available on May 20th, Indigenous Peoples living in the Russian Arctic were not infected with COVID-19. At the same time, 143 Indigenous People Ultchi were infected in Bogorodskoye village, situated on the non-Arctic territories of Khabarovsk region, 1 of them died. The … Continue reading The Arctic Council news. The impact of COVID-19 on indigenous peoples living in the Russian Arctic.