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traditional belief systems, systems of self-governance and judicature, instruction in
their native languages, and targeted socio-economic support.
Thanks to such approaches, they have maintained their population, their culture,
their identity, their systems of settlement and their way of life as part of the Russian
state for seven centuries.
In that sense, their history is the polar opposite of those regions of the world
which today censure Russian imperialism, while simultaneously failing to overcome
their own colonial mindset.
As previously, the tool for ensuring the sustainable development of indigenous
peoples is special constitutional status, complex legislation, targeted state support, and
a wide network of specialised cultural, educational, academic and media institutions.
Through federal acts, more than 4 million square kilometres of their traditional
lands, where they make up less than one per cent of the population, are subject to
various legal programmes, including restrictions on industrial activities and priority
access to natural resources.
As a result of such a policy, enacted by the Russian Federation, the native
minorities of Russia are undergoing population growth and their languages and unique
cultural heritage are protected.
Thank you for your attention.