Who Are the Negidal?
The Negidal are one of Russia's smallest indigenous peoples, numbering only approximately 500-600 persons in the Russian Far East. They inhabit the Amgun River valley and the lower Amur region in Khabarovsk Krai. They speak Negidal, a Northern Tungusic language related to Evenki and Even. The name "Negidal" derives from their self-designation meaning "people of the riverside." Traditionally, the Negidal were divided into two groups: the "Upper" Negidal (Verkhovskie) who raised reindeer and hunted, and the "Lower" Negidal (Nizovskie) who focused on fishing. Their small numbers and linguistic endangerment make the Negidal one of Russia's most vulnerable indigenous peoples.
Dual Economy
The traditional Negidal economy divided into two patterns reflecting different ecological zones. Upper Negidal in the mountainous upper Amgun valley practiced reindeer herding and taiga hunting, pursuing sable, elk, and bear. They used reindeer for transport rather than milking or meat. Lower Negidal along the lower Amgun and Amur relied on fishing, particularly salmon, and also hunted. Both groups used dog sleds in winter. This economic dualism—reindeer herding versus fishing—created cultural differences within the small Negidal community while maintaining shared language and identity. Soviet collectivization disrupted both economies, concentrating Negidal in state farm villages.
Cultural Connections
The Negidal share cultural elements with neighboring Evenki, Ulchi, and Nivkh peoples while maintaining distinct identity. Their language links them to the broader Tungusic world extending from the Amur to the Yenisei. Shamanic beliefs and practices resembled those of related peoples, featuring communication with spirits, animal masters, and nature powers. Material culture reflected both taiga (Evenki-related) and riverine (Amur peoples) traditions depending on the group. Intermarriage with neighbors was common. This cultural position—drawing on multiple traditions while remaining distinct—characterizes many small Siberian peoples living at ecological and cultural boundaries.
Contemporary Negidal
Modern Negidal face critical challenges of cultural and demographic survival. The Negidal language is severely endangered; perhaps only 10-20 fluent speakers remain, all elderly. Most Negidal speak Russian as their first language; some speak Ulchi or other regional languages. The community is concentrated in a few villages including Vladimirovka. Fishing and hunting provide subsistence but economic opportunities are limited. Youth emigrate to cities; those remaining often intermarry with other groups. Cultural documentation efforts attempt to preserve language and traditions before elder knowledge is lost. Whether the Negidal can survive as a distinct people—or will be absorbed into surrounding populations—remains uncertain.
References
- Cincius, V. I. (1982). Negidal Language (Negidal'skiy yazyk)
- Shternberg, L. Ya. (1933). The Gilyak, Orochi, Goldi, Negidal, Ainu
- Smolyak, A. V. (1975). Ethnic Processes Among the Lower Amur Peoples