Olya Ivanova: Sakhalin, masters of Spirit
Nivkh and Uilta (or Orok), are indigenous ethnic groups inhabiting the northern part of Sakhalin Island and the region of the Amur River estuary in Khabarovsk region, Russia.
They are believed to be the original inhabitants of the region deriving from a proposed Neolithic people migrating from the Transbaikal region during the Late Pleistocene.Â
Nivkh were traditionally fishermen, hunters, and dog breeders. They were semi-nomadic, living near the coasts in the summer and wintering inland along streams and rivers to catch salmon.
Both Orok and Nivkh suffered heavily from foreign influences, the first of which was the migration of the Tungusic peoples. Later, the Qing Dynasty of China forced the Nivkh to pay tribute to them. In 1850s–1860s, Russian Cossacks annexed and colonized Nivkh lands, where they are a small, often neglected, minority today. During Communism they were banned from speaking their language, or practicing their religion, and forced to take Russian names. Today, the Nivkh live in Russian-style housing and with the over-fishing and pollution of the streams and seas, they have adopted many foods from Russian cuisine. The Nivkh practice shamanism, which is important for the winter Bear festival, though some have converted to Russian Orthodoxy.
