The issue of the relationship between indigenous peoples of the North and extractive companies is raised. The relevance of the study is determined by the resumption of active activities of industrial companies engaged in the exploration and extraction of minerals in the places of residence of indigenous peoples. The article presents the results of the author’s research prepared during the ethnological examination in the Olekminsky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in summer 2017. The novelty of the study is the reconstruction of the process of formation of the system of relations between industrialists and indigenous peoples on the example of the local community of Olekminsk Evenks. The influence of industrial development on the socio-economic indicators and living environment of the Evenks of Olekma is shown. It is emphasized that the policy pursued by the authorities in relation to the aboriginal population strengthened the assimilation processes. In the long period of time the peculiarities of relations between industrialists and peoples of the North in different historical periods are revealed. The author gives interesting examples of the relationship of Olekminsk Evenks and industrialists on the basis of previously unclaimed archival sources. The experience of interaction between Olekminsk Evenks and extractive companies is considered. Recommendations are given in building mechanisms of interaction between extractive companies and indigenous peoples of the North.