State support for indigenous peoples' economic projects in the Arctic will be included in the new regional development strategy program, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexander Krutikov said at the parliamentary hearing on the drafting of the Russian Arctic zone development strategy.

"We will launch a program of state support for the indigenous peoples' economic projects and employment as part of the new Arctic strategy. The development of northern reindeer shepherding, which is in a difficult situation today, is a separate area. We will work to provide the local people with access to healthcare, education, public services, and sports," Krutikov said.

According to Krutikov, the ministry will develop an institute of ethnologic expert examination.

"Along with the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, we are renewing the Children of the Artic international program for the comprehensive development of the northern indigenous peoples' young generation, partly through humanitarian and cultural exchange with people in other Arctic countries. This program will be among our key initiatives at the Arctic Council," Krutikov added.