The Chukchi people are an indigenous group from the far northeastern part of Siberia, in the Russian Federation. They primarily inhabit the Chukotka Peninsula, an Arctic region separated from Alaska by the Bering Strait.
Traditionally, Chukchi society is divided into two groups based on their subsistence:
Reindeer Chukchi (Chavchyvat): Inland nomads who live by herding reindeer, which provide them with food, transport, and hides.
Maritime Chukchi (Anqallyt): Sedentary coastal dwellers who engage in fishing and the hunting of marine mammals such as whales, walruses, and seals.
Autonym: They call themselves Luoravetlan, which means "genuine people."
Language: They speak Chukchi, a Paleo-Siberian language. Although taught in schools, it is considered endangered due to Russian assimilation.
Religion: Historically, they have practiced shamanism and animism, believing that all elements of nature possess a spirit. Despite the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, many spiritual traditions persist.
Housing: The traditional dwelling is the yaranga, a conical tent made of reindeer or walrus skins.
Husky Dogs: They are credited with the development of the Siberian Husky breed, originally used for pulling sleds in extreme conditions.
Unlike many other Siberian peoples, the Chukchi fiercely resisted Russian conquest for nearly 200 years. They were eventually integrated during the Soviet era through forced collectivization.
The current population is approximately 16,000 people. Today, many Chukchi are affected by natural resource exploitation (mining) and climate change, which threatens their traditional hunting and herding methods.
Extended info about Chukchi People
