Interregional Communications of Indigenous Settlements in Arctic and Siberian Regions: Mapping and Network Analysis

Communication between settlements is a key factor in the well-being and cultural preservation of Indigenous peoples. Interaction among communities in the Arctic and Siberia, under conditions of remoteness and administrative boundaries, remains understudied. This study analyzes traditional inter-settlement links in Yakutia and neighbouring regions (Amur Oblast, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Khabarovsk Krai, Chukotka) across three historical periods: pre-Soviet, Soviet, and post-Soviet. Three types of links are identified: kinship, economic, and cultural. Data were obtained through field research, interviews, and analysis of archives and historical maps. Remoteness from regional centres necessitates alternative survival strategies, supporting the preservation of language, culture, and traditional livelihoods. Strengthened logistical ties with regional centres weaken inter-community contacts, while the absence of roads increases the importance of informal routes. The research highlights the significance of considering local traditional links to support economic well-being, traditional land use, cultural exchange, and kinship relations, especially for communities separated by administrative boundaries.