Ethnic and symbolic legalization of the Evenk people in Russia in the 18th century

The article analyzes symbolic and semantic aspects of the inclusion of the indigenous population into the ethnic and political space of the Russian Empire in the 18th century, focusing on ethnic and symbolic processes which occurred in the Evenk communities in the Ilim River basin (Irkutsk Guberniya) during the administrative reforms of the 1720s-1780s. It is argued that the establishment of the “shulenga” elected office enhanced the ethnic and symbolic legalization of the Evenk communities in the context of the multiethnic society of Eastern Siberia, which was reflected in the systems of life support, taxation and finances, as well as judicial and legal practices, and economical activities. This significantly influenced the preservation and development of the Evenk ethic and cultural identity at the symbolic and semantic level.