The Indigenous Peoples of the Soviet Union (Part 1) w/ Alice and Dennis Bartels (Part 1)
Jun 21, 2022
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Alice and Dennis Bartels, authors of 'When the North Was Red: Aboriginal Education in Soviet Siberia', discuss their extensive research on the Indigenous peoples of the Soviet Union. They delve into the differences between their experience and the genocidal experience of Indigenous peoples in North America. Topics include living in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the impact of neoliberal reforms after the Soviet Union's dissolution, and the experiences of Indigenous peoples in the Soviet Union.
Traditional occupations of Northern peoples in the Soviet Union were reorganized on a cooperative basis, introducing mechanization and improving efficiency.
Soviet policies aimed to preserve and develop Northern peoples' culture through institutions like cultural centers and co-op shops, while also addressing issues like forced marriages.
The process of Sovietization brought both continuity and change to the life and culture of Northern peoples, incorporating modern elements into traditional occupations and promoting education and literacy.
Deep dives
Impact of Sovietization on Northern Peoples
The process of Sovietization brought significant changes to the life and culture of Northern peoples. Traditional occupations, like reindeer breeding, were reorganized on a cooperative basis, introducing mechanization and improving efficiency. New written languages were developed, helping to educate and familiarize people with modern processes. Soviet policies tackled negative practices, such as forced marriages and blood feuds, making them illegal and enforcing these laws. The nationalities policy aimed to preserve and develop Northern peoples' culture, creating institutions like cultural centers and co-op shops. Some indigenous leaders supported Soviet policies, while others like shamans resisted them. Women, in particular, benefited from opportunities for waged labor and gains in education.
Life under Tsarist Rule for Northern Peoples
Under Tsarist rule, the Northern peoples of the Soviet Union experienced colonization, fur trade exploitation, and the impact of European diseases. The fur trade, similar to the buffalo for indigenous peoples in North America, brought profits mainly to elites in metropolitan centers. The Northern peoples had contact and sometimes conflicts with both Russian and Chinese forces. While assimilation policies existed, they were not as absolute as in North America. Different groups had variations in their experiences and interactions with the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian settlements.
Challenges and Changes During the Russian Revolution and Civil War
Northern peoples were impacted by the events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Civil War. Some groups fought alongside the Red or White forces, while others remained isolated or supported one side or the other. External factors, like Japanese intervention, also affected these regions. The northern populations experienced changes and challenges during this period, as contact with different forces and influences from different factions led to various outcomes for different groups. The violence and conflicts had different impacts and varying levels of involvement for different indigenous groups.
Northern Peoples' perspectives on Soviet system and Sovietization
Northern peoples had mixed perspectives on the Soviet system and Sovietization. Some viewed Soviet policies as positive, addressing issues like forced marriages and providing education and better medical care. Traditional occupations were preserved and even mechanized to improve efficiency. The Communist Party played a significant role, with members expected to contribute time and effort to various community tasks. However, there were complexities and challenges in reconciling traditional cultures with Soviet policies, especially regarding individual choices and obligations. Not all aspects of traditional cultures were abandoned, and some northern peoples, especially women, gained material benefits from the new institutions and opportunities.
The Process of Sovietization and Changes over Time
The process of Sovietization brought both continuity and change to the life and culture of northern peoples over time. There were efforts to preserve traditional cultures while introducing modern elements. Mechanization and new technologies were incorporated into traditional occupations, like reindeer breeding. Education and literacy were promoted, with the development of written languages for various northern groups. However, challenges existed, such as varying interests within the Soviet system and confusion during the restructuring period in the late 1980s. The Sovietization process aimed to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and integrating into the larger socialist state.
Alice and Dennis Bartels, authors of "When the North Was Red: Aboriginal Education in Soviet Siberia", join the show to discuss their extensive ethnographic research of the Indigenous (also known as Northern) peoples of the Soviet Union. We cover the experience of the various Northern peoples before, during, and after Soviet socialism and how it greatly differed from the genocidal experience of the Indigenous peoples of North America. The Bartels also give us insight into their own experience of living in the Soviet Union to conduct their research at the height of the Cold War. This is part one of a two part discussion.
More information regarding what we discussed and articles written by the Bartels be found on the patreon posting of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/69218802 Episode Credits
