In prehistoric times, the Chukchi engaged in nomadic hunter gatherer modes of existence.
In current times, there continue to be some elements of subsistence hunting, including that of polar bears, marine mammals and reindeer.
However, there are some differences between the traditional lifestyles of the coastal and inland Chuckchi.
The former (coastal Chukchi) were largely settled fishers and hunters (mainly of sea mammals).
The inland Chukchi were partial reindeer herders.

Beginning in the 1920s, the Soviets organized the economic activities of both coastal and inland Chukchi and eventually established 28 collectively run, state-owned enterprises in Chukotka.
All of these were based on reindeer herding, with the addition of sea mammal hunting and walrus ivory carving in the coastal areas.
Chukchi were educated in Soviet schools and today are almost 100% literate and fluent in the Russian language.
Only a portion of them today work directly in reindeer herding or sea mammal hunting, and continue to live a nomadic lifestyle in yaranga tents.
In prehistoric times, the Chukchi engaged in nomadic hunter gatherer modes of existence. In current times, there continue to be some elements of subsistence hunting, including that of polar bears, marine mammals and reindeer. However, there are some differences between the traditional lifestyles of the coastal and inland Chuckchi. The former (coastal Chukchi) were largely settled fishers and hunters (mainly of sea mammals). The inland Chukchi were partial reindeer herders.
Beginning in the 1920s, the Soviets organized the economic activities of both coastal and inland Chukchi and eventually established 28 collectively run, state-owned enterprises in Chukotka. All of these were based on reindeer herding, with the addition of sea mammal hunting and walrus ivory carving in the coastal areas. Chukchi were educated in Soviet schools and today are almost 100% literate and fluent in the Russian language. Only a portion of them today work directly in reindeer herding or sea mammal hunting, and continue to live a nomadic lifestyle in yaranga tents.
Chukchi people