Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North was created in 1990 at the First Congress of Indigenous Peoples of the North. The Association was originally called the "Association of Peoples of the North of the USSR" and united 26 indigenous groups of the North Russia. Today, RAIPON unites 41 indigenous groups whose total population is around 250,000 people. These peoples are represented by 34 regional and ethnic organizations that have the authority to represent these groups both in Russia and in the international community.

The Association is a public organization that aims to protect human rights and defend the interests of the Indigenous small-numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia and Far East of the Russian Federation, to contribute to the solution of social and economic problems, environmental protection, cultural development and education. The Association works to ensure the rights to protect the native habitat and traditional way of life of the small-numbered peoples of the North, as well as to ensure their right to self-government in accordance with national and international legal standards. 

RAIPON is a permanent participant at the Arctic Council. RAIPON is an observer of UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum. RAIPON is an observer of World Intellectual Property Organization's Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore.