Yugra delegation presents the region's culture at the National Centre RUSSIA in Krasnoyarsk

The 21st International Sales Exposition "Treasures of the North. Craftsmen and Artists of Russia — 2026" has concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA in Krasnoyarsk. The event took place as part of the International Forum of Indigenous Peoples. Yugra was one of the regions with the largest delegation — over 35 artisans, cultural figures and representatives of public associations of indigenous peoples of the North took part in the event.

The Yugra representatives brought with them traditional crafts, national clothing, household items and techniques passed down from generation to generation. For the artisans, the exposition was an opportunity not only to showcase their art, but also to tell the story of modern-day Yugra through the culture of its peoples.

"Today, Yugra is presenting its life, its daily routine, and the lifestyle of its people. Here you can see traditional activities — from processing reindeer hide to working with beads. The artisans show how national clothing is created, how it is sewn and what techniques are used in this process. Thanks to such expositions, guests can get to know Yugra more closely through the people who live here, preserve their traditions and demonstrate their craftsmanship," said Stepan Kechimov, President of the Reindeer Herders' Union of Yugra.

Before their trip to Krasnoyarsk, the delegation members visited the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra and the exposition "See Yugra — Fall in Love with Russia!" Stepan Kechimov noted the importance of such spaces: "These are exactly the kind of National Centres that are needed. Everything is truly brought together in one building. It is convenient for guests and convenient for the artisans, as well."

For Svetlana Marushchak from the settlement of Salym in the Nefteyugansk District, participation in the exposition was the fulfilment of a long-held dream. She lives in a nomadic encampment, develops ethno-tourism and practises traditional crafts. For Krasnoyarsk, the artisan brought a small box made of fir bark, which she produces using an ancient technique with natural dyes.

"When I heard about the 'Treasures of the North', I said: this is my dream, this is everything that I love. I have dreamed for a very long time of attending such an event. I work with traditional techniques — I make dye from larch bark, using natural materials, just as it was done in the old days, when ready-made paints did not exist," said Svetlana Marushchak.

For her, the preservation of traditions is above all a personal story. Many of her relatives have already moved to towns and lost the skills of traditional crafts, so Svetlana strives to pass on her knowledge to others. In addition, this trip was also her first visit to Krasnoyarsk and the National Centre RUSSIA — and she is already planning to return with her family.

The exposition "Treasures of the North. Craftsmen and Artists of Russia — 2026" ran from 13 to 16 August at the National Centre RUSSIA in Krasnoyarsk. It featured over 300 artisans and artists from 20 regions of Russia. For Yugra, participation in the exposition is an opportunity to showcase the region's culture to a wide audience. In their turn, for the National Centres RUSSIA in Yugra and Krasnoyarsk, this exposition was another reason to connect the regions of the country and give visitors the chance to see Russia through its people, traditions and contemporary life.