Third Day of the Northern Forum Delegation’s Work at the International Evenk Festival "Bakaldyn"
On June 20th, the program for the third day of the international Evenk festival "Bakaldyn" took place entirely in the city of Neryungri, focusing on cultural, sports, and business events.
The day's official opening was held in the Neryungri City Park, where concert performances, creative acts, masterclasses, and themed areas introducing the culture and traditions of the Evenk people were organized for guests and participants. Sports games, competitions, and interactive programs also ran throughout the day.
The key event was a round table titled "Perspectives on Responsible Development: New Approaches to Traditional Economic Activities and the Future of Territories of Traditional Natural Resource Use." The session was moderated by Mikhail Aleksandrovich Pogodaev, Deputy Minister for Arctic Development and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).
The discussion featured Alexey Vasilyevich Tsykarev, Independent Expert of the UN Human Rights Council; Artur Ivanovich Gayulsky, President of the Regional Association of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the Krasnoyarsk Krai; Andrey Leonidovich Kolesnikov, Deputy Director of the Department of European Problems at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Elena Khristoforovna Golomareva, Chair of the Standing Committee of the State Assembly (Il Tumen) of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) on Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North and Arctic Affairs; as well as representatives of local government bodies.
Speaking on behalf of the local authorities were Yuri Viktorovich Yukhnovets, Head of the village of Iengra, and Maksim Viktorovich Tereshchenko, Acting Head of the Neryungrinsky District. The participants highlighted pressing issues regarding territorial development, outlined existing challenges, and proposed potential solutions, including measures to support traditional land use, develop infrastructure, and strengthen socio-economic potential.
During the discussion, initiatives for developing territories of traditional natural resource use and supporting the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North were presented. Andrey Leonidovich Kolesnikov noted the significance of the Northern Forum's work in advancing international cooperation and strengthening dialogue between regions and countries.
The third day of "Bakaldyn" concluded with a vibrant cultural program, including concerts, sports competitions, contests, and masterclasses, which served as a vital part of the festival and allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of the Evenk people.