Klavdia Geoetval

Klavdia Ivanovna Geutval (; 10 April 1930 – 31 August 2001) was a Chukchi folklorist and poet. Following a career working for the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in Chukotka, she went on to contribute to the preservation of Chukchi culture, for which she was named an Honoured Cultural Worker of the RSFSR.

Biography Geutval was born on 10 April 1930 in a camp in Ustchaun (now Rytkuchi), the ninth child born to Chukchi parents. She grew up in the tundra near the mouth of the Chaun, helping her family herd reindeer. In 1940, Geutval started attending school in Cape Shelagskiy, where she excelled academically and became one of the first Young Pioneers in the area. In 1941, her father Ettykai died, and Geutval was sent to a boarding school in Pevek. While at school, she helped sew clothes for Red Army soldiers during World War II. Geutval graduated from high school in 1948. Geutval went on to serve as party secretary of Ustchaun Village Council between 1963 and 1970. During this time, she also worked as a methodologist for the local agricultural brigade, supporting reindeer herders in and around Ustchaun. Geutval placed an important role in the establishment of the Pevek Ethnographic Museum in Pevek.

In 1978, Mosfilm asked Geutval to act as a cultural consultant on the film Territory, which was set in Chukotka; she also had a small role in the film performing a Chukchi song. In 1982, Geutval worked on the television film Velnyy shaman to advise on its depiction of Chukchi culture and language. Geutval arranged annual yarangas to educate people about Chukchi culture.

Geutval died on 31 August 2001 in Rytkuchi. On 9 March 2009, a memorial plaque was installed for her at 12 Mira Street, where she had lived. Yny'ettet continues to perform regionally.