[4] The Dolgan identity began to emerge during the 19th and early 20th centuries, under the influence of three groups who migrated to the Krasnoyarsk area from the Lena River and Olenyok River region: Evenks, Yakuts, Enets, and so-called tundra peasants (зату́ндренные крестья́не, zatúndrennye krest’jáne).

However, they were prevented from following a nomadic lifestyle during the Soviet era and required to form kolkhozy (rural collectives) that – in addition to their traditional activities – engaged in reindeer breeding, fishing, dairy farming and market gardening.

In 1983, the anthropologist Shirin Akiner claimed: "Dolgans enjoy full Soviet citizenship.

They are found in all occupations, though the majority are peasants and collective farm workers.

"[4] Most Dolgans practice old shamanistic beliefs; however, most are influenced by Eastern Orthodox Christianity.