Abstract:

Relative isolation of residing of indigenous ethnic groups of the Russian North and their limited external interaction are the factors, which can slow down the development of certain territories of any state. Challenging issues for most countries with historical presence of indigenous minorities are connected with preserving ethnic features of these communities’ living including the issues of financial and social support. While existence within the territories of traditional residing and preservation of the ethnic foundations the indigenous minorities or the Russian North use certain sources of financial aid. These are subsidies, grants and lump sum payments. The authors of the research analyzed normative legal acts, economic statistics, articles and monographs by international and Russian scholars – everything related to the means of social and legal support of indigenous ethnic groups of Russia and other countries. The methodology of the study presupposed using such general scientific methods as system analysis, statistical method, and some methods of scientific observation – grouping, generalization and selection. The research proves that the means and mechanisms to maintain and preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenous ethnic groups of the North in the considered countries are quite conventional and formal, which indicates that they need further careful elaboration. There is a necessity of global reorganization of the existing instruments of social support of the indigenous minorities of the Russian North. This should be done through continuity of experience of other countries in ensuring and support of the indigenous ethnic groups’ life. The scientific approach to the study of the activities of the indigenous peoples of the North has made it possible to formulate new and effective tools of social support.