Opposition to the 'Ecological Relocation' Project from the Evenki People

Abstract

At the end of 2003, the Chinese government finalized the "Ecological Relocation" project for the Ewenki ethnic minority in Northeast China, planning to relocate them to cities, raise reindeer in captivity, and implement new education. This move was strongly opposed by the Ewenki people, who refused to move away from their ancestral habitat. Starting from the spirit and philosophical culture of the Ewenki people, this article analyzes the core reasons for their opposition to immigration. The Ewenki people uphold the natural worship cosmology of animism, and their social development is deeply integrated with nature. They firmly oppose the destruction and excessive development of nature. However, the logging industry of the Han people in Ewenki settlements has already caused their dissatisfaction, and being forced to move away from the mountains and forests is seen as a violation of natural laws. In addition, the "ecological migration" project not only deprived the Ewenki people of their natural habitat but also challenged their spiritual culture centered on shamanism through the promotion of atheistic education. The forced shift in worldview brought about by policies and the isolation from nature continue to weaken and even lead to the extinction of the Ewenki culture. This article ultimately points out that the project is a disrespect and erosion of the Ewenki culture, and calls for diverse measures to be taken to save this precious minority culture.