When I was a child, spending the summer in the village, I heard the word Udege for the first time. It was the name of a woman who had recently moved into a neighboring house. Later I learned that Udege was an indigenous small people of my native Primorsky region, living in the north in a remote area. Months later, the neighbor suddenly disappeared. Just as suddenly as she appeared.  Since then I often remember this episode of my life. And when I grew up, I wanted to know how the Udege people live, in what state of identity, how civilization affects everyday life. The village of Krasny Yar is located on the banks of the Bikin River, iconic to the Udege people. People here live in close connection with nature and tradition, as if there were nothing else around. As before, the sources of subsistence here are the traditional trades. But it’s just that it’s getting harder to do it. The rights of indigenous peoples in Russia are poorly respected, despite the relevant laws. And the Udege population is rapidly declining. Local enthusiastic elders try to maintain the traditional way of life, original culture, customs and beliefs.