Dolgans

Dolgans are an indigenous Turkic-speaking people of Arctic Siberia, primarily inhabiting the Taymyr Peninsula in northern Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia. They are one of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North and have traditionally relied on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting in the Arctic tundra.

The Dolgan language belongs to the Turkic language family and is closely related to Yakut (Sakha). Most Dolgans are bilingual, speaking Dolgan and Russian, with language preservation efforts underway in some communities.

The population is small, amounting to several thousand people, with the majority living in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai. Historically, Dolgans developed as a distinct group after Yakut newcomers moved north into the Taymyr region, adapting to the tundra environment. They had early contact with Russian explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries and were incorporated into Soviet administrative and farming structures in the 20th century, including collectives that organized reindeer herding.

Economy and livelihood today continue to center on reindeer herding, with seasonal migrations between grazing grounds, as well as fishing and hunting. Many Dolgans also engage in urban employment in regional centers or in oil and gas industries, while some maintain traditional livelihoods and seasonal camps.

Culturally, Dolgan communities have shamanistic traditions alongside Orthodox Christianity, reflecting historical religious interactions. Traditional crafts include fur processing, leatherwork, and portable dwellings associated with nomadic life. As a recognized indigenous people of the North, the Dolgans have cultural rights and access to educational and language-preservation programs supported by regional and federal policies.