Nomadic camp as an innovative way to preserve national identity

¹ Institute for Humanitarian Research and North Indigenous Peoples Problems of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, Petrovskogo str., 677027 Yakutsk, Russia
² North-Eastern Federal University, 2, Lenin ave., 677000 Yakutsk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: seva_may@mail.ru

Abstract

The article considers the process of introducing new forms of temporary children's associations during summer vacation days for children from indigenous peoples of the north, the Even people, which implies an ecological expedition of children from the Moma ulus of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) to study the ecology of Moma National Park, the Even language, culture and traditional industries of small peoples of the north. The work experience from 2000 to 2021 showed that a similar model of a nomadic ethno-ecological camp can be applied by the Nomads of the North. The Ewens, by their lifestyle, eternal nomads living in extreme conditions, are very protective of the environment, they are suited like no other to nature conservation activities, namely to work in the Moma National Nature Park. Therefore, in addition to environmental education, methods and technologies of folk pedagogy were used during the work, through which children learned and mastered the Even language and culture, were immersed in authentic forms of life and traditional economic activities: domestic reindeer breeding, hunting and fishing, national sewing, as well as customs and rituals, folk dances and games. Today, the pupils of the nomadic camp work successfully in the sphere of protection of nature, as well as in the national economy, including teachers of their native language and national culture. The experience of the temporary youth association has attracted the interest of many specialists, for example scientists from the United States of America who developed the "Deer Trail" project; also, many regions of the Russian Federation have introduced summer camps into educational practise in accordance with their requirements and possibilities.