Indigenous Diamonds of Russia's Sakha Republic w/ Sardana Nikolaeva
Mar 28, 2025
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Sardana Nikolaeva, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and expert in indigenous anthropology, dives deep into the complex relationship between the Sakha people and diamond mining in Russia. She explores the historical and political landscape of the Sakha Republic, examining how extractivism impacts indigenous identities. The conversation highlights the ramifications of economic sanctions, the illusion of autonomy amid resource wealth, and the socio-cultural dilemmas faced by indigenous communities as they navigate the diamond industry.
Dr. Sardana Nikolaeva highlights the dual impact of diamond extraction on the Sakha Republic, balancing economic opportunities against significant cultural and environmental degradation.
The discussion reveals the complex politics of Indigeneity in Russia, emphasizing that the Sakha people's self-identification often clashes with federal recognition criteria.
Sanctions against Russian diamond exports have drastically altered the local economy, affecting the livelihoods of Indigenous communities reliant on the diamond industry.
Deep dives
Introduction to Guerrilla History and Guest Background
The podcast introduces the host and guest, showcasing a conversation centered on global proletarian history and its influence on contemporary issues. The guest, Sardana Nikolaeva, shares her extensive background, emphasizing her expertise in Indigenous politics and research on extractivism. Her experiences as a member of the Indigenous Sahar group in Russia inform her research interests, particularly regarding the impact of extractive industries on Indigenous communities. This conversation aims to delve into her current project, 'Indigenous Diamonds,' highlighting the intricate dynamics of diamond extraction in the Sahar Republic.
The Significance of the Sahar Republic and Diamond Discovery
The Sahar Republic in northeastern Russia, known for its extreme cold and diamond-rich terrain, has seen profound changes since the discovery of diamonds in the 1950s. The diamonds, initially sought for technical uses, became prized gems for global consumers after sanctions limited Soviet access to international markets. The Republic, primarily comprised of Indigenous peoples, has been affected by its rich natural resources, leading to extensive mining operations that impact both the economy and local cultures. This historical context sets the stage for discussing how the community navigates the benefits and detriments of an extractive economy.
Complexities of Indigeneity and Resource Extraction
Sardana explores the politics of recognizing who is considered Indigenous in Russia, emphasizing the Sahar people's lack of federal recognition despite their self-identification as Indigenous. Legal criteria for Indigeneity in Russia rely heavily on population size and cultural practices, complicating the landscape for groups like the Sahar. The interplay between federal policies, international standards, and local identities raises questions about authenticity and representation within the discourse on Indigenous rights. Furthermore, these dynamics reveal how resource extraction impacts Indigenous identity and culture while often neglecting their voices and needs.
Environmental and Social Impacts of Diamond Mining
The conversation highlights the environmental degradation caused by open-pit diamond mining in the Sahar Republic, significantly impacting local wildlife and traditional practices. The pollution of water sources threatens Indigenous communities' ability to maintain their subsistence lifestyles, such as hunting and fishing, leading to food insecurity. Local communities, although benefiting from some infrastructure and employment opportunities brought by the diamond industry, face challenges due to the temporary nature of these jobs and a reliance on migrant labor. This situation underscores the complex relationship between the Indigenous population and the extractive industry, where benefits come with substantial costs to their way of life.
The Impact of Sanctions and Shifts in the Diamond Market
The introduction of sanctions against Alrosa in 2022, the primary diamond mining company in Russia, starkly impacts the Indigenous communities dependent on the diamond economy. These sanctions disconnect Sahar diamonds from their primary Western consumers, leading to adjustments in marketing strategies and a focus on Asian markets. Despite this, the consequences of sanctions ripple through the local economy, with decreased revenues disrupting community development projects and dependence on the diamond industry. As companies seek new markets and diversify products, the long-term implications for Indigenous peoples and their environmental sustainability remain a pressing concern.
In this episode of Guerrilla History, we bring on Dr. Sardana Nikolaeva to discuss her brilliant study Indigenous Diamonds: Extractivism and Indigenous Politics in the Diamond Province of Russia. We go over Sakha and the Sakha people, the history of diamond extraction in Sakha, and then went over the politics of indigeneity in Russia, how these diamonds were branded as "indigenous", and how sanctions on Russia impact the indigenous Sakha people. With so much in this conversation, you are sure to learn a lot, and we hope you will help by sharing this with your comrades! Sardana Nikolaeva is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, where she is an indigenous anthropologist studying indigeneity, indigenous methodologies, extractivism, and more. She cowrote the wonderful paper we discussed today, which you should read here: https://www.ziibiinglab.org/indigenous-diamonds Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/guerrillahistory
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