Governor of Ugra Natalia Komarova took part in the festive events dedicated to the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which is celebrated annually on August 9 at the initiative of the United Nations General Assembly.

On this day, the open—air ethnographic museum "Torum Maa" hosted the program "Ma ai miriem" — "My little people" - a celebration of mutual respect for cultures, languages, customs and spiritual traditions.

"Today, in the open—air ethnographic museum "Torum Maa", on the land of the creator of the world, first of all, I will name those of our respected elders who stood at the origins of the creation of the museum - Eremey Aypin, Maria Voldina, Yuri Kondin, Zoya Lozimova, Evdokia Nemysova, Yuvan Shestalov. I am glad to have the opportunity to thank them again," Natalia Komarova said.

According to the governor, thanks to initiatives and projects, including those of Ugra residents, a register of objects of intangible ethno-cultural heritage will be created in Russia. The corresponding resolution was signed on August 3 by the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. Federal register will include fairy tales, dances, epics, crafts, rituals, customs, which will simplify the study, preservation and popularization of traditional culture.

"Ugra residents have done a lot to attract attention to this topic and bring it to the state level," Natalia Komarova said.

In the year of the start of the International Decade of Native Languages of Indigenous Peoples, the Government of the Autonomous Okrug established the "Protected Word of Ancestors" award, which teachers have already received in 2022 and 2023: Sofia Kaksina, Lyubov Zakharova, Lidia Randymova fr om the village of Kazima; Tatiana Sainakhova from the village of Russkinskaya, Larisa Karpenko from the village of Nizhni Narykary, Natalia Yarkina from Berezov. 

"It is right that native languages should be open to the world. A lively dialogue of peoples is the most important thing. Diversity of traditions, languages, cultures makes our country strong. Respect, concern for the world around us, trust in each other, the values that the indigenous peoples of Ugra have created are a guide for the future," the head of the region stressed.

As part of the festive program, Natalia Komarova awarded the winners of the children's regional quiz dedicated to the International Decade of Native Languages of the Indigenous Peoples of the World for 2022-2032. The purpose of the event is to introduce participants to the culture, customs and rich historical and cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the North.

1,865 children and teenagers from 7 to 15 years old from 22 municipalities took part in the quiz. Among the best are 17 children from Nefteyugansk, Urai, Nyagan, Yugorsk, Khanty-Mansiysk and Khanty-Mansiysk district.

"In due time, the UN General Assembly decided to see, know, feel and recognize indigenous peoples. For Ugra, this is an important element that speaks of a special policy towards the peoples who have been living on this land for a long time," Senator of the Russian Federation Alexander Novyukhov said.

During the holiday, the guests were able to immerse themselves in the world of games of the peoples living in Ugra. The visitors got acquainted with the outdoor games of the Ob Ugrians, puzzles and sports competitions, with mobile Cossack and traditional Kyrgyz games. The work of thematic creative platforms was organized here, wh ere Ugra residents made products from beads, birch bark, were able to try themselves in wood carving and playing traditional musical instruments, ethnosport. At the same time, a concert, a master class "Traditional choreography of the Ob-Ugric peoples", an exhibition-fair ORNAMENTUM were held.

More than 30 thousand representatives of Khanty, Mansi and Nenets live in Ugra. Half of them has a traditional lifestyle — engaged in reindeer husbandry, hunting and fishing. In different municipalities, traditional holidays are held throughout the year — international races on oblasy, days of the reindeer herder, fisherman and hunter, as well as Raven Day. Support of representatives of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North is one of the priorities of the Government of Ugra.