Udege in Russia

Introduction / History

The Udege or Udekhe people live in and near the city of Khabarovsk, Siberia, Russia. Khabarovsk is located 30 kilometers north of the Chinese border. The Udege used to practice a semi-nomadic lifestyle taking care of reindeer. The Russian Empire took over the area where the Udege live in 1858.

Under Soviet rule, many of the Udekhe were resettled. Now there exist nine Udekhe villages all located some distance apart. With the threat of industry and development, the Udekhe are fighting for control over their traditional territories along the Bikin River in an effort to save their land, their culture and their language from becoming obsolete.

No Christian resources are available In the Udege language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There a danger that over the next few decades that the Udege people will be absorbed into the Russian majority population of Siberia. Young people prefer to speak Russian and do not want to learn Udege, the language of their grandparents. Many young people are marrying outside their people. Many of these children of these unions are not learning the customs and ways of the Udege.

The Udege work in Russian factories, mines, refineries and in the logging industry. Some Udege still trap fur bearing animals as did their ancestors. Some hunt and fish to obtain food. Women plant vegetable gardens and gather berries during the short Siberian summers.

Alcoholism is a major issue for many indigenous people in Russia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Udekhe worship the Spirit of Taiga and practice shamanism and animism. Only a tiny fraction of the Udege claim to be followers of Christ. After years of Soviet education, some Udege are secular with no religious affiliation.

Some Udege cling to their old beliefs. These Udege believe that spirits inhabit the rivers, mountains, animals, rocks, sky and trees. These spirits can bring harm upon the people if they are not appeased by rituals, offerings and prayers. The village shaman holds a high place in Udege society. He distributes charms and amulets to ward off the influence of the evil spirits.

It is common for indigenous peoples like the Udege to associate Christianity with the white European Russians.

What Are Their Needs?

The Udege must understand that material prosperity will not bring them the happiness and peace of mind that they seek. The Udege need to see the love of God demonstrated to them in practical ways. Only Christ can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Ask God to preserve the language and culture of the Udege people.

Pray that God will send workers to live among the Udekhe and share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

Ask God to open the hearts and minds of the Udege people to believe and accept the truth of Jesus Christ.

Ask God to establish a strong, healthy church in each of the nine Udege villages in this decade.

Pray that there will soon be gospel recordings and Bible portions available in the heart language of the Udege.

Text Source:   Joshua Project