“Evenki People, Custodians of the Resources of Yakutia”, by Natalya Saprunova, tells the story of a Siberian ethnic group of reindeer herders whose traditional way of life is increasingly under threat.
On July 29, 2022, Evenks from across Russia gathered at the vast Lake Baikal in Southern Siberia for the first Tungus Congress, a chance to reconnect with their cultural roots.
Historically, the Evenks were nomadic reindeer herders who roamed Siberia’s forests, coexisting with nature and wildlife. They played a key role in guiding Russian prospectors to Siberia’s natural resources, enabling the industrial growth of the Soviet Union.
Today, however, their land is being exploited by mining and deforestation, causing environmental destruction and pollution. Despite this, the Evenks remain deeply committed to preserving their natural environment, as their culture and survival are intertwined with it. They are uniquely positioned to protect ecosystems and address climate change, especially as melting permafrost threatens the planet.
Third prize winner of our 2022 Portrait Award, Natalya Saprunova, is a Paris-based documentary photographer originally from the Kola Peninsula in Arctic Russia. While photographing the indigenous Sámi people in Russia—reindeer herders whose way of life was threatened by Soviet-era forced sedentarization—she learned of the Evenki people in Yakutia facing a similar crisis and decided to explore their story further.
N.Saprunova: The Evenki have lived in Oriental Siberia for thousands of years, developing a rich culture and history centered on reindeer herding and hunting. However, their land is now being exploited by mining, deforestation, and water pollution. This motivated me to travel to Yakutia and shed light on the challenges they face. It was important to me because the Evenki are one of the first inhabitants of our land, deeply connected to nature, which they have always treated with great respect. Today, they are the first witnesses to environmental upheavals and the first victims of climate change.
N.Saprunova: Gaining access to the communities required building trust, which, as you can imagine, was not easy due to their complex history with the Russian Soviets. Many community members would mention how the issues they face today stem from Soviet settlement policies that allowed mining companies to exploit the land without consideration for the Indigenous people or the environment. Initially, people viewed me as a stranger, potentially a threat, and were reluctant to share their stories or personal space.
N.Saprunova: To overcome this, I explained my project and showed genuine interest in their culture. Each time I visited their villages, I took the time to learn about their traditions, family structures, food, and customs. When I camped with the reindeer herders, I embraced their way of life, helping to prepare wood, ice blocks, sewing, and cooking. Slowly, they began to see me as a friend and allowed me to take photos. Although I didn’t have a local guide, some people appreciated the purpose of my work and volunteered to guide me. I cherish these moments and am deeply grateful for the acceptance I received.
N.Saprunova: Through my photographs, I hope viewers can discover the lives and experiences of other cultures, and perhaps reflect on our own choices regarding how we interact with each other and the environment—what we eat, how we consume, and how we recycle. I aim to create images that convey the deep passion and commitment Indigenous people have to their land and ancestral traditions.
N.Saprunova: If my work can provoke thought about the issues I’ve documented—whether it’s culture, history, or climate change—and raise awareness, prompting more responsible actions, then I’ll feel I’ve accomplished my goal.
All images © Natalya Saprunova