Nganasan, Tavgi Samoyed in Russia

Introduction / History

The Tavgi Samoyed Nganasan people lived independent lives until the 17th century when the Russian government agents and merchants arrived on the Peninsula of Taimyr, their homeland. During the tsarist era they were forced to offer tribute to the Russians. In the 1930s their traditional lifestyle was forcefully restructured by the Russian communist government. In the 1960s, their nomadic lifestyle was eliminated, and they were forced to settle. Their traditions and ethnic identity have been diminishing ever since.

Where Are they Located?

This people group lives on the Taimyr Peninsula on the coast of the Kara Sea, just south of the Arctic Ocean. This is Russia's north.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is difficult and humiliating for the Nganasan people. Most have to take menial jobs while others are unemployed. Some have joined the Russian military to have some way to earn a living. They are also looked down upon or ignored by the Russian majority.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A small percentage of the Taavgi Samoyed Nganasan people are Russian Orthodox; the rest either follow their traditional shamanistic religion or they are secular.

What Are Their Needs?

As this people group grows smaller in numbers and smaller in power, they will need to put their identity in the One who has all power and can bless them beyond belief.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Tavgi Samoyed Nganasan people to be reached by those who will introduce them to the One who offers life to the full.
Pray for entire families to study God's word together and find answers to the difficult problems they face in the 21st century.
Pray for the Tavgi Samoyed Nganasan people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and communities.

Text Source:   Keith Carey