[Tribal World] Siberian winter
by Matthew
A Khanty boy wrapped up against the cold. © Sophie Grig/Survival
Living in temperatures reaching -50ºC, the Khanty of Russia have always successfully depended on reindeer for their food and livelihood.
But their well-adapted lifestyle and culture has been continually rocked by outsiders. Oil companies have wrecked many Khanty areas, killing reindeer and forcing them off their land.
Yeremai Aipin, Khanty poet and writer, wrote of Survival’s campaign for the Khanty: ‘Survival’s campaign certainly had a great influence on Lukoil. Now Lukoil’s attitude toward tribal people has become more correct and respectful. In the Agan River area, oil companies have became more sensitive to the environment, and are not as brutal as they were a few years ago. I am grateful to Survival for your help.’
But due to Russian government policy, the Khanty still have less legal protection than they once had. Survival is calling on Russia to respect their land rights, and on the oil companies to stop drilling on the Khanty’s land without permission.