[Winter]

For those of you familiar with the history of the lands of Siberia and Far East, this may be of interest... I am not certain how to word this but I will try (please forgive or correct me if I word this incorrectly). I have, over time, read opinions of various people who basically view Siberia and Russian Far East as a colonized or colonial land. Much in the same way that the people of this community view the Anglo colonies (USA, S. Africa, Oceania, etc.) in terms of their relation to actual European civilization. Basically that these lands are to Russia what USA is to Great Britain. I have read many debates over time of people who dispute whether or not this territory is even rightfully "Russian". The issue particularly concerns me as it is where I was born and where I consider my home. I am yet to establish a solid opinion on this and very interested in your opinions on this subject. Is the land rightfully "Russian"? Do Slavs have exclusive rights to these lands?