Russia Marks First ‘Indigenous Peoples Day’ as National Holiday, Focus on Protecting 47 Endangered Communities

Kathmandu — Russia is observing the “Day of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation” as a national holiday for the first time on Wednesday. The new national day was established by an executive order signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 4, 2025.

The date coincides with the adoption of the federal law “On Guarantees of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation” in 1999. Around 200 ethnic groups live in peace and harmony across Russia, 47 of which are classified as Indigenous small-numbered peoples. Their unique cultures, languages, traditional lifestyles, and crafts are an integral part of Russia’s historical and spiritual heritage.

The Russian government has made the preservation of ancestral habitats, support for traditional ways of life, and the safeguarding of rights key national priorities. In this context, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON) and the UNESCO Information for All Programme, has prepared a dedicated collection of documents titled “#ChartersOfNorthernPeoples,” reflecting legal mechanisms for the protection and support of Indigenous peoples.

Russia continues to advance international cooperation in this field, including within the framework of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).