Who Are the Nenets?
The Nenets are a Samoyedic people numbering approximately 45,000 inhabiting Arctic tundra and forest-tundra zones of northern Russia, particularly the Yamal, Gydan, and Taimyr peninsulas. The Nenets are divided into Tundra Nenets (majority) and Forest Nenets (smaller group). Traditional Nenets culture centers on nomadic reindeer herding, with families following herds across tundra in seasonal migrations covering hundreds of kilometers. The Nenets live in conical tents called chums (similar to tepees), made from reindeer hides. Reindeer provide food, clothing, transportation, and cultural identity. Nenets spiritual beliefs traditionally centered on shamanism and nature spirits, though many converted to Orthodox Christianity. Modern Nenets face challenges from oil and gas extraction on traditional lands, climate change affecting migration routes, and pressures toward settlement. However, many Nenets maintain nomadic lifestyle, representing one of last large-scale nomadic reindeer herding cultures.