Investigating the Economic and Environmental Resilience of Viliui Sakha Villages: Building Capacity, Assessing Sustainability, and Gaining Knowledge

George Mason University, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Abstract

Dr. Crate proposes to do extended research in several Viliui Sakha Villages of Russia on the resilience of agropastoralist Native communities in the Post-Soviet era of economic and environmental change. The proposed research has three components described as: 1) Building Capacity, 2) Assessing Sustainability, 3) Gaining Knowledge. Each of these components will be addressed throughout the proposed research period through both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies including participant observation, household surveys, structured interviews, and community meetings. The research design in a collaboration with indigenous communities and unique in its multi-generational aspects. It will add much to our understanding of social adaptation, resilience and sustainability of indigenous communitites in Russia. In addition, their will be broader impacts for local communities through the commuynity meeting and training aspects of the research project.