The article analyzes the relationship between space and time and family-genealogical memory in the story in the stories by E.D. Aipin “At the Fading Hearth”. The author, being a representative of the indigenous small peoples of the North-Khanty, reveals the close connection of the self-awareness of a representative of his nationality with his ancestral heritage and natural environment. The narrative is built on the intersection of the personal memories of the hero and the cultural traditions of the Khanty people, who are going through a period of the strongest and probably irreversible crisis. In this context, the artistic chronotope goes beyond the setting of the work's events and becomes a full-fledged participant in the events that have shaped the people's identity over the centuries. However, reality is dictating new conditions, forcing us to abandon the previous model of existence. The basic message of the work, which is also reflected in its title, is about the ongoing process of losing the most important components of national identity, which include both material and spiritual aspects: culture, everyday life, customs, and beliefs. The disappearance of traditional rituals and ceremonies, as well as traditional settlements and dwellings, symbolizes the breakdown of intergenerational continuity and the loss of spiritual and material heritage. The use of the symbol of a fading hearth emphasizes the tragic inevitability of the loss of traditional values and culture. The character of E.D. Aipina experiences a deep internal conflict related to the reevaluation of his place in the modern world. In times of crisis, the memory of one's ancestors becomes exceptionally valuable, as it allows for the preservation of cultural and historical identity and provides guidance in a rapidly changing world. The author explores the significance of family and ancestral memory as a crucial component in safeguarding the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the North.