GENÈVE: A large part of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is reflected in the Russian legislation, said the representative of the Russian Federation at the third session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Genève on July 14.

NARYAN-MAR: Yasaveys’ president, Aleksandr Belugin, was interviewed on the regional radio station, Nenets Broadcasting Company, on the matter “support for reindeer herding”. – In discussions on bills that will affect indigenous peoples, the Association of Yasavey must be consulted, Belugin said, when asked on regional legislation on indigenous peoples and traditional activities.

Reindeer herders will receive certificates and cash awards at the annual celebration of the Reindeer Day throughout Nenets Autonomous Okrug, on August 1-5.

20 Vepsians will take part in the Riddu Riđđu festival, as the Veps people is this years Northern People. Poets, musicians and artisans will share their traditions and culture with the audience through courses and performances.

Last week, the chair of the Association of World Reindeer Herders, Mikhail Pogodaev, met the Governor of Nenets Autonomous Okrug in order to dicuss cooperation within the Ealát Information project. Project manager, Svein Disch Mathisen, and one of the researchers, Anna Degteva, participated also in the meeting. A workshop on reindeer husbandry and climate change will be held in Nenets AO in September 2010.

Norwegian General Consul, Jon Elvedal Fredriksen, visited Naryan-Mar last week. During the two-day trip he met Governor Igor Fyodorov of Nenets AO and the Yasavey delegation, among others. Cooperation between Naryan-Mar and Guovdageaidnu (Kautokeino) was discussed, as well as the future possible establishment of a Nenets radio station.

Lapin Liha, Finland’s largest meat processing company, is preparing for import of reindeer meat from Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. 200 – 250 000 kilos will be imported every year, according to Lapin Lihas website.

The Working Group of Indigenous Peoples has adopted the Resolution from the Barents Indigenous Peoples' Congress 2010.

The last elected Governor in the Russian part of the Barents Region resigned on Wednesday. The leader of the Karelian Republic Sergey Katanandov leaves the office because of unspecified personal reasons.

Yasavey, in cooperation with Norway and Canada, is looking into the possibility of establishing a Nenets radio station in Nenets Autonomous Okrug, North-West Russia, aiming at bringing Nenets language, culture and news to the Nenets, inhabiting the large tundra areas. The indigenous peoples in Canada know how to do this, and have shared their knowledge and experiences with the Nenets during a one-week study trip in Ontario, Canada.