Identifying Gaps between Government Policies and Ideas about the Quality of Life of Indigenous Peoples

Today, the issue of involvement of various social groups in state affairs related to the quality of life is increasingly raised. The quality of life of indigenous peoples can be defined as a combination of objective and subjective indicators characterizing the well-being of indigenous communities. The objective of the article is to justify the need for indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making process affecting their interests, including assessing the quality of life. The study identifies gaps between the directions of state policy aimed at maintaining the quality of life of indigenous peoples of Russia and the ideas about the quality of life articulated by indigenous population. To achieve the stated objective, the authors used a comprehensive methodology which includes a system of philosophical, anthropological, sociological methods, as well as elements of scientific volunteering to determine the opinions of indigenous peoples when planning their socio-economic development, as well as to substantiate optimal forms of interaction between public authorities and indigenous communities of the Arctic. The study identifies key issues that affect the long-term well-being (standard and quality of life) of the Arctic indigenous peoples, including in such areas as cultural and spiritual well-being, socio-economic and environmental well-being, social organization of indigenous peoples’ lives, traditional economic activities and territories of traditional residence, as well as relationships with public authorities and industrial entities. The findings made it possible to formulate recommendations for public authorities to improve state-support programs for indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic.