In Salekhard Mr Magomedov together with the Governor of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area Dmitry Kobylkin met with senior members of the Association of Indigenous Minorities of the North and Far East and took part in celebrating the tradition holiday of Tundra residents: the Reindeer Breeder’s Day.
The discussion touched upon implementing the rights of indigenous minorities living in the Arctic region and throughout Russia, and improving the relevant legislation and normative legal base.
Mr Magomedov gave a high assessment to the work of the Yamal regional authorities with the indigenous ethnic groups of the North. Economically, Yamal is a strategic region, gradually acquiring progressive experience in the safe development of the Arctic.
Yamal has accumulated positive experience in balancing active economic development with respect for the interests of the indigenous population and efficient implementation of environmental programmes. Local demographics are showing a positive trend and traditional industries are growing.
At the same time, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office noted the need to regularly update federal and regional legislation, to pay necessary attention to the preservation of small ethnic groups, to protect their rights and interests and to maintain their steady development as part of the of the National Ethnic Strategy.
Social and economic policy in the region should develop with due account of the comfort of the indigenous Arctic population, Mr Magomedov stressed. According to him, we must not let the unique civilisations of the minorities of the North to be absorbed by overall globalisation. The state will continue its efforts to improve conditions for the development of indigenous minorities through the use of their social and economic potential while retaining their traditional environment, lifestyle and cultural heritage.
The Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations will further consider the proposals made by the meeting participants.