Krasnoselkupsky rayon (Yamal, Russia)

Selkup people

Cолькуп - шолькуп (self-name)
Селькупы (Russian)

Selkup language belongs to the Samoyedic branch of the Uralic family. 1/3 of the Selkups still uses their native language. Their traditional religion is shamanism, although formally they belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church. There are 4,249 Selkups in Russia (2002) and 62 in the Ukraine (2001) They were known as Ostyaks-Samoyeds before 1930s
Chrystian Kretowicz, 27 Dec 2009

About the rayon

Area	106,270 sq.km
Population	6,300 (2006)
Density	0,06 persons per sq.km

It is one of the lowest population densities in the entire world, due to the extremely harsh climate. There are only three villages on its territory, Krasnoselkupsk is an administrative center. Most of the Selkups returned recently to the nomadic way of life after being forced by the Soviet to live in the permanent settlements. Selkups are the vast majority of the population of the district with few Nenets and fewer yet Russian settlers in the minority.
Chrystian Kretowicz, 27 Dec 2009

About the flag

The flag is made of the district arms, which are shown on the map of the district on the front page of the district's official website, with a green stripe charged with three white antler crowns added along the hoist.

The flag is shown on photos taken during a motorcycle event; unfortunately, the left part of the flags is cut on the photos so that the green stripe is not visible.

The Tourism Agency of Yamal presents the arms as follows: "On the coat of arms of the Krasnoselkupsky district a bear and a sable standing on their rear legs are holding blue [natural] gas light in their paws. As if they came out of the woods which is symbolized by a green fir tree on the background. It also represents the rich in woods and lumber of the Krasnoselkupsky district. And that, which is unavoidable in the symbols of rural districts – kingfish, lashing its tail against the water of the river surface."
Ivan Sache, 28 Dec 2009