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The Russian Inuit, known as the Rusik Inupiat or Big Diomede Islanders, have a unique and complex history deeply intertwined with the Arctic landscape and the changing political dynamics of their region. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring human spirit, marked by significant treaties and agreements that have shaped their lives. Once inhabitants of Big Diomede Island, which lies in close proximity to the United States' Little Diomede Island in the Bering Strait, the Russian Inuit faced challenges due to geopolitical shifts during the 20th century.
These shifts led to their relocation to the Russian mainland, a pivotal moment in their history that saw the displacement of a close-knit community from their ancestral lands. Among the key historical agreements that have impacted the Russian Inuit is the Bering Strait Treaty of 1867. This treaty, marking the sale of Alaska from Russia to the United States, had significant repercussions for the indigenous communities of the region, including the Russian Inuit.
It ushered in a period of change and adaptation as their traditional territories came under new jurisdiction. In more recent times, the Russian Inuit, like their counterparts in other Arctic regions, have navigated the complexities of autonomy and self-determination. The Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, where many Russian Inuit now reside, has its own history of treaties and agreements that recognize the unique cultural and territorial rights of indigenous peoples, including the Chukchi and Yupik.
The recognition of Chukotka's autonomous status and the negotiation of agreements that empower its indigenous inhabitants are ongoing processes, reflective of the region's evolving political landscape. These treaties provide a framework for addressing the complex challenges of cultural preservation, resource management, and self-governance in the Russian Arctic.