Indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North Yakutia during the Great Patriotic War (the case of the Tomponsky district)

The present study considers the state of the traditional farming, the living conditions and demographic situation of the Evens and the Evenks in the Tomponsky District of Yakutia during the Great Patriotic War. The case of the district under consideration may help to evaluate the situation in the whole Northern Yakutia. The author comes to conclusion that methods applied in the collective farm management in the Tomponsky District were the same as in other districts of Yakutia. Thus, it was prohibited to slaughter for meat the deer population that was in private hands, while the population of collective farm herds was uncontrollably growing. The peoples used to survive due to side jobs on construction sites, engagement in carrier's trade and fur procurement. Hard life and working conditions of the Evens and the Evenks caused the rise in mortality among the indigenous peoples and the excelling rate of reduction of the able-bodied population.