Nomadian camp as a way to preserve national identity

Sleptsov Yurii A.

The article examines the process of introducing new forms of temporary children's associations during the summer vacation days for children from among the indigenous small peoples of the North - the Evens - in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in order to preserve the traditional way of life and teach their native language. The experience of working from 2000 to 2021 showed that a similar model of a nomadic camp can be applied by the nomads of the North. During the work, the methods and technologies of folk pedagogy were used, through which children studied and mastered the Even language and culture, immersed themselves in authentic forms of life and traditional types of management: domestic reindeer husbandry, hunting and fishing, national sewing, as well as in customs and rituals, folk dances and games. Today, pupils of the nomadic camp successfully work in the national economy, including as teachers of their native language and national culture. Many specialists were interested in the experience of the temporary children's association, for example, scientists from the United States of America, who developed the "Deer Trail" project; also, many regions of the Russian Federation have introduced summer camps into pedagogical practice in accordance with their requirements and capabilities.

Keywords:indigenous peoples of the North, Evens (Lamuts); school-age children; nomad camp; traditional education; ethnopedagogization; community society.