The present article describes the history of research of small-numbered indigenous peoples of the North and Siberia, and Ket language in particular. It determines the main stages of Ket language studies: pre-Revolution, Soviet and contemporary periods. Along with that, the results of expeditions intended to explore the problems of existence and opportunities of preserving Ket language are presented. The results of Ket language studies carried out by different specialists are described. The authors arrive  at the conclusion on the current situation of this field of study in Siberia, Russia and beyond, consider the possible prospects of the research.