Homelands, leadership, and self rule: Observations on interethnic relations in the Sakha Republic1

Abstract

Abstract An American anthropologist examines the complex and situationally variable concept of “homeland”; as it affects the ways in which indigenous groups in the Sakha Republic—the Sakha (Yakuts), Even, Evenk, Yukagir—define not only their territories but their own identities and interrelationships with other ethnic groups, including the Russians. Traditions of interethnic harmony as well as conflict are assessed in order to determine whether concepts of homeland can be formulated that foster national and ethnic pride of minority groups without perpetuating nesting chauvinisms within the political structure or exacerbating interethnic tensions surrounding competition for natural resources. Particular attention is devoted to the (re)formation of obshchiny—community councils with decision‐making authority in the post‐Soviet era. Such councils not only function in their own minority communities but also desire input into who can utilize local natural resources. They are in the position to mediate local con...