The Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON) has opened a branch in St. Petersburg that will include a center dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Extreme North.

“St. Petersburg is a generally recognized center for the study of the history of the peoples living in the Russian Arctic. The city has had the Institute of the Peoples of the North, a unique facility offering national and even international-scale education, for nearly a century. It is the only school that trains teaching and scientific research staff for more than 30 small indigenous peoples of the Extreme North. The regional branch of RAIPON will now include an integrated cultural and educational center to promote the traditions and crafts of the northern peoples,” the Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, said.

The city Governor added that Russia is now preparing to take over the Arctic Council presidency, and projects to support the culture of northern peoples will be launched in St. Petersburg in the coming years.

According to the Governor's press service, the new center will help representatives of the indigenous minorities of the North living in the city to preserve their traditions and culture, as well as to popularize the northerners’ identity and linguistic heritage.

It should be noted that the premises for the new center was provided by the City Property Committee for long-term lease at a preferential rate.