The increase in the population of Russia’s indigenous small-numbered peoples by 20 percent over 30 years demonstrates the rise of their ethnic awareness, which stems from the relevant government policy, as reported by Head of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov at the Eastern Economic Forum.

“The algorithm of providing for the sustainable development of the indigenous small-numbered peoples consists as before in targeted legislation, comprehensive programs of socio-cultural development, and efforts by specialized cultural, educational and scientific institutions and the media. Eventually, we have reordered a 20-percent growth of their population over the recent 30 years. This is not so much a result of a demographic mechanism, but of a rise in their ethnic awareness, which is impossible without a responsible government policy,” noted Igor Barinov.

The agency head added that the historic destiny of Russia’s indigenous small-numbered peoples may serve as an example for the others, because over hundreds of years within the Russian state, they have preserved their population size, traditional way of life, culture, and self-awareness, and more than half of the country's territory is legally recognized as their traditional lands.