Living with Sami Reindeer Herders in the Arctic

Author : Unwild Planet

The Arctic boasts ethereal and enchanting landscapes that transcend the ordinary — from the sinuous Fjords etching their paths through hills and valleys to the dance of the auroras casting colorful hues across the Arctic skies, and the ancient forests adorned with twisted pines. The terrain here is cold but varied, a melange of deserts, frozen soils, and icecaps. It sets the stage for a diverse array of life, where seabirds, fish, marine mammals, and the iconic reindeer coexist in perpetual twilight.

Amid this amazing wildlife, the indigenous Sami people and their reindeer form a captivating chapter in the region's rich narrative. For centuries, the Sami, hailing from Northern Europe and Scandinavia, have thrived in a semi-nomadic existence intricately tied to the rhythm of their reindeer herds. These resilient people invite guests to immerse themselves in a cultural odyssey that transcends time.

In recent years

Sami reindeer herders have graciously opened their world to outsiders, offering more than just a fleeting glimpse into their lives. You are privileged to encounter a centuries-old lifestyle when you visit them. If you accept this invitation, you step into a simpler existence, where tradition, resilience, and reverence for the fragile Arctic ecosystem form the cornerstone of daily life.

The life of the Sami and their reindeer is governed by seasons

Winter and summer bring distinct chapters to the lives of these herders as they tend to their reindeer amidst snowy plains, traverse the frozen landscapes on snowmobiles or skis, and establish camps beneath the celestial dome of an endless starlit sky.

Sami Life in the Seasons: A Ballet on the Tundra

In the summer months

Tthe reindeer and their herders embark on a migratory journey, descending from higher elevations to the lowland tundra, seeking fertile pastures and abundant vegetation.

As winter descends

The reindeer form smaller herds to weather the harsh snowy conditions. This symbiotic relationship extends beyond mere survival. Reindeer provide sustenance, clothing from hide and antlers, and even transportation. In return, the Sami herders become stewards of reindeer health and survival, especially during the unforgiving Arctic winters.

Sami Culture: A Symphony of Centuries-Old Traditions

Sami culture thrives on a deep connection to the Arctic land built over centuries. Celebrations echo through the tundra in haunting melodies of joik singing, where stories and emotions are intertwined. A stay with the Sami herders invites an intimate experience in a cozy lavvu, a traditional Sami tent, where the air is filled with the aroma of reindeer meat stew. Here, ancient spirits and starlore come to life through tales passed down through generations.

Challenges to Sami Culture: A Modern Threat to Tradition

Yet, amidst this vibrant heritage, the Sami face perils in the modern era, as climate change, mining, and deforestation cast shadows over their traditional way of life. Climate shifts disrupt reindeer grazing patterns, resource extraction encroaches upon ancestral lands, and cultural assimilation poses a risk to language and practices. The survival of Sami culture hangs in the balance, necessitating thoughtful solutions to preserve this invaluable legacy.

Guardians of the Arctic

The harmonious lifestyles led by the Sami with the Arctic environment is evident in their practices. They have deep ecological knowledge of sustainable practices that are embedded in reindeer herding. The Sami have gathered their food system and traditional practices over centuries. The changes in the weather and the seasons throughout the years have helped them learn how to adapt to their surroundings, how to utilize natural resources responsible, and to maintain a delicate balance with the Arctic ecosystem.

Rethinking Travel

Travellers who want to visit the Arctic must remember to be mindful and respectful of the people and the wildlife that inhabit the region. UnWild Planet offers a travelling experience to the Arctic for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the vast and beautiful landscapes of the Arctic. They are also committed to supporting Sami communities and promoting sustainable tourism practices in the Arctic by ensuring that the land and the people that live there are not negatively impacted in any way.

A journey to the Arctic will induce a personal transformation for travellers that will emerge from living alongside Sami reindeer herders and experiencing the harmony of being one with nature. The Sami inculcate a sense of resilience, while encouraging travellers to appreciate simplicity and develop a deep connection with nature.