New Reports Reveal System of State and Corporate Control Over Indigenous Representation in Russia

NGOs Arctida, the Batani Foundation, and the Indigenous Institute have presented a series of analytical reports and an investigation dedicated to how Russia shapes the international representation of Indigenous peoples. The authors conclude that on international platforms, Indigenous issues in Russia are increasingly represented by state structures closely linked to security agencies, as well as individuals affiliated with major extractive corporations.

Against the backdrop of intensifying persecution of independent activists, the authentic voices of Indigenous peoples are virtually denied the opportunity to be heard. In their place, representatives of the state and affiliated big business speak on behalf of Indigenous peoples on international platforms. According to the authors, the central role in this system is played by the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON).

Following the presentation, three studies were published.

Investigation: "Indigenous Peoples of Russia: Between War, Security Services, and the Struggle for Rights"

The investigation focuses on the activities of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FADN) and analyzes how Russia's official representation on Indigenous issues on international platforms is increasingly falling under the influence of state security structures and the interests of extractive corporations.

The authors document the role of FADN, whose leadership and staff include individuals previously employed by the FSB, the Ministry of Defense, and other security agencies, and show how agency representatives participate in the work of UN mechanisms on Indigenous rights.

The study also raises questions about the independence of certain civil society representatives, pointing out their financial and organizational ties to Nornickel. At the same time, independent Indigenous activists face criminal prosecution, intimidation, and are effectively excluded from international human rights work.

Using the example of the criminal prosecution of Daria Egereva, Natalia Leongardt, and other activists, the authors conclude that Russia is systematically displacing independent Indigenous representatives, replacing them with participants loyal to the state and corporations in international processes. As a result, the real problems of Indigenous peoples remain without proper attention both domestically and internationally.

Report: "Manufacturing Indigenous Legitimacy"

The report examines the transformation of the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East (RAIPON). According to the authors, an organization previously regarded as an independent platform for Indigenous representation has effectively become an instrument of state policy.

This is particularly evident on the international stage, where, as the report claims, Russia uses RAIPON to project an image of a state protecting Indigenous rights, while simultaneously integrating Indigenous institutions into the system of promoting state narratives and economic interests.

The authors analyze how an independent organization was co-opted into the state apparatus and examine the consequences of this transformation for international Indigenous representation.

Report: "Indigenous Rights in the Context of Development"

The report examines the impact of major infrastructure and resource extraction projects in the Russian Arctic on Indigenous rights.

The authors show that Indigenous communities often bear the main social, environmental, and territorial consequences of industrial development in the Arctic, with virtually no real influence over decision-making.

The research is based on an analysis of several projects, including the Baimsky Mining and Processing Plant, Yamal LNG, the Lavna Port, the Vostok Oil project, industrial activities in the Yengrinsky Nasleg area, and the development of the Northern Sea Route.

According to the authors, all these examples demonstrate a persistent systemic problem: weak consultation mechanisms with Indigenous peoples, the absence of effective Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) procedures, limited recognition of independent Indigenous representatives, inadequate protection of traditional territories, and the risk of replacing independent representation with state-controlled structures.

The report concludes that Russian practice significantly diverges from the state's international rhetoric of support for Indigenous peoples. The authors propose that Arctic projects should be assessed not only from the perspective of climate, energy, logistics, resource extraction, or sanctions policy, but also with regard to their impact on Indigenous rights, access to traditional lands, preservation of traditional ways of life, representation, and the realization of the right to self-determination.

Context

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, pressure on Indigenous peoples and their activists has significantly intensified. This manifests in intimidation, criminal and administrative prosecution, stigmatization, pressure on relatives, obstruction of international human rights work, and the dismantling of independent Indigenous self-organization institutions.

In December 2025, Daria Egereva, a representative of the Selkup people, human rights defender, and climate activist who for many years represented Indigenous peoples of Russia on UN platforms and coordinated their participation in the UN climate conference COP30, was arrested in Moscow.

She has been charged with participation in a "terrorist organization" — the expert network "Aborigen Forum," which Russian authorities have designated as a terrorist organization. On the same day, at least 17 activists in various regions of Russia were subjected to coercive measures.

Daria Egereva's lawyer has called this criminal case "legal absurdity" and links it to the policy of displacing independent Indigenous representatives and replacing them with state-controlled structures.

Media Contacts

Signal:

• @solidarity.88 — solidarity campaign coordinator for media relations;

• @yellowbook.01 or pr@arctida.io — NGO Arctida.