A YouTube influencer named Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, also known as Neo-Orientalist, was arrested after attempting to make illegal contact with the indigenous people on North Sentinel Island, a remote Indian island. Polyakov allegedly visited the restricted island to offer a coconut and a can of Diet Coke as “offerings for the Sentinelese.” This was reported to be his third attempt to make the trip, citing his passion for adventure and extreme challenges. He was also wearing a GoPro camera, claiming unofficial representation of the U.S., and stayed on the island for about five minutes, collecting samples and recording video footage, but did not make contact with any indigenous people.
Authorities were alerted to Polyakov’s presence by local fishermen who saw him offshore in a boat after he left the island. Contact with the Sentinelese people is strictly prohibited due to their protected indigenous way of life. Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, a nonprofit organization advocating for indigenous and tribal societies, called Polyakov’s actions deeply disturbing. She referenced the death of an American missionary who attempted to make contact with the people on the island in 2018. Pearce highlighted the importance of respecting the wishes of the Sentinelese people who have made it clear over the years that they wish to avoid contact with outsiders.
Polyakov’s arrest and the incident on North Sentinel Island shed light on the challenges uncontacted indigenous peoples face around the world. Pearce noted that uncontacted indigenous peoples globally are experiencing invasion of their lands at an alarming rate. She mentioned cases in the Amazon where uncontacted tribes are being invaded by loggers and gold miners. In addition, the uncontacted Shompen tribe on Great Nicobar Island, near North Sentinel, faces risks of being wiped out if India moves forward with its plans to transform their island into a commercial hub. Pearce emphasized the importance of governments recognizing and protecting the territories of uncontacted peoples in accordance with international law.
Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, the director general of police of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, mentioned that authorities were investigating Polyakov’s intentions and other places he may have visited during his stay in the region. Polyakov, who is currently in judicial custody, is scheduled for a hearing on April 17. His actions raise concerns about the importance of respecting the autonomy and wishes of indigenous peoples, especially those who have chosen to remain uncontacted. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding international laws that protect the rights and territories of these vulnerable communities. Authorities are taking steps to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future to prevent any harm to the indigenous people and preserve their unique ways of life.
