Naukan people facts for kids
Remains of a 2,000-year-old pit house at Naukan village
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 510 (2010) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Russia |
|
| Languages | |
| Russian, Naukan Yupik language, Chukchi | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Chaplino people |
The Naukan people, also called the Naukanski, are a group of Siberian Yupik people. They are an indigenous group living in eastern Russia. Specifically, they live in the Chukotka Autonomous Region.
Naukan Language and Communication
The main language of the Naukan people is the Naukan Yupik language. This language is part of the Yupik language family. Yupik languages are spoken by many native groups in Alaska and Siberia. They belong to an even larger group called Eskimo–Aleut languages.
Some Naukan people still speak their traditional language. However, many Naukan people now also speak the Chukchi language. This is another language spoken by people in the Chukotka region. They also speak Russian, which is the main language of Russia.
Naukan Culture and Traditions
For a very long time, the Naukan people have been skilled hunters. They traditionally hunted sea mammals, like whales and seals. These animals were very important for their food, clothing, and tools.
The Naukan people also have special traditions. One important event was the pol'a festival. This was a month-long celebration focused on whale hunting. People from other villages would travel to Naukan to join in this big festival. It was a time for sharing food, stories, and cultural practices.
Naukan History and Settlements
Scientists have found old evidence that the Naukan people lived on the Chukotka Peninsula about 2,000 years ago. This area is near the Bering Sea. In the past, they lived on Big Diomede Island and Cape Dezhnev. These places are located in the Bering Strait, which separates Russia from Alaska.
In 1958, the Soviet Union moved the Naukan people. They were moved from their old village, which was also called Naukan. This village was right on the coast. Today, many Naukan people live in a village called Lorino. Lorino is an indigenous village in the Chukotka region.
