Chukchi in Russia

Introduction / History

For centuries the Chukchi people have hunted wildlife in the tundra like wilderness along the Bering Sea. Summer temperatures barely make it above freezing and winter temperatures remain well below zero for months.

They were also great warriors. Death was so common that they did not consider it a tragedy. When someone was too old to be productive, they either committed suicide or they were killed.

After taking over the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Soviet Union tried to “civilize” them with education and communal economic activities. Their life expectancy grew as well as their literacy rate. Then the USSR dissolved and Russians began to leave the area. Reindeer herding farms and other Soviet led communal activities dissolved. Many Chukchi were forced by circumstances to seek employment in other parts of Russia, though most remain in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug or the Sakha Republic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Chukchi people who live in their traditional homeland are most likely to work in the service industry. Most things they need must be transported for hundreds or even thousands of miles, so the cost is high. Traditional jobs such as reindeer herding and walrus hunting are still in decline. There are a few who continue working with reindeer or hunt whales and walruses, but they are few and far between.

The industrious, artistic Chukchis skillfully carve bone objects. Their culture considers songs and dances as an integral part of their traditions. They value education and literature very highly.

Most live in permanent homes that have various colors to make them stand out in the tundra environment.

Russia is using their minorities to fight the war with Ukraine. These people, including the Chukchi, have much a much higher casualty rate than ethnic Russians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Chukchi practice a traditional ethnic religion which includes animistic elements. Only a small number of Christ followers exist amongst the Chukchi. It is easy to understand why missionaries and others have overlooked the Chukchi people since better-known cultures surround them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chukchi need workers to share the gospel in their Chukchi language and within their culture.

Prayer Points

Pray the Lord will send loving ambassadors of Christ to help the Chukchi people develop sustainable ways to earn a living.
Pray for the distribution of the available Chukchi audio Bible and gospel recordings as well the translation of the Bible into the Chukchi language.
Pray for open, responsive hearts among the Chukchi when hearing the gospel.
Pray for the establishment of a viable, indigenous and reproducing Chukchi church.

Text Source:   Joshua Project