This article discusses the conceptual content of the definition "indigenous peoples" in the Russian Federation’s legislation and its international interpretation. The practice of the Komi national movement of the 1990s in the Komi Republic is shown to be based on the concept "indigenous people" in the international interpretation. It is concluded that the experience of interaction between government, business and national movement is enriched as a result of the practical application of the status "indigenous" in international treatment.

Key words: indigenous peoples, indigenous minorities, Komi people, Komi Republic, "indigennost", Komi national movement, ideological and political resource.