"I am sure that this impressive project will draw attention to the importance of preserving authentic cultures", Drozdenko stressed. The population of indigenous peoples in the Russian Federation has not only not declined, but has grown by 20% over the past 30 years, he said.
"Many issues of supporting indigenous peoples are in the competence of regional and municipal authorities. We have more than 140 nationalities living in the Leningrad Region, including representatives of three small peoples – Vepsians, Izhorians, and Votians. We use the regional budget to finance museums of indigenous cultures, language courses, folk festivals, and much more. These activities allow people to preserve their identity, not only to remember their past but also to pass on unique traditions", Drozdenko said.