Traditional reindeer herding family … traditional Sami camp … traditional reindeer experience – up close and personal …
Experience what it is like to be led by reindeer … feed these magnificent animals … visit a Sami gamme (wooden hut) – simply amazing !
Reindeer Sled Ride
Steady trotting in a convoy of about 20 sleds … clomp … trot … clomp … trot … some slower, some faster … trotting along … great way to see the valley along coast … viewing sights of reindeer grazing all around.
Rugged up to keep warm … 2 to a sled … setting sun … myriad of colours in sky … experience to be cherished.
Reindeer Sanctuary
Even more amazing is to feed the reindeers – exercise caution as they are wild; not domesticated animals. Adult reindeers, baby reindeers and those in between … come along to take their share of stockfeed. In winter times, food is scarce in the mountains and valleys … hence reindeers are guided down to Sami camps to be fed and nurtured. Come spring, reindeers migrate back to the mountains, their natural habitat.
Such is the relationship between the Sami and reindeers.
In order to fund such ventures, the Sami incorporated reindeer sledding, feeding and share their experiences and stories with rest of the world in this unique environment.
Reindeer husbandry has been and still is an important aspect of Sami culture. Traditionally, the Sami lived and worked in reindeer herding groups ‘siidat’, consisting of several families and their herds; helping each other with management and husbandry of the herds.
Today, in Norway and Sweden, reindeer husbandry is protected, exclusive Sami livelihood – in Norway, about 2,800 people are engaged in reindeer herding.
There are 2 types of reindeer found in Norway – Svalbard reindeer and the mountain reindeer. Svalbard reindeer is a smaller subspecies with shorter legs, lighter in colour, well adapted to harsh climate. Mountain reindeer are medium to large size, pale brown with white rumps in summer, creamy-white with beige shoulders and backs in winter.
Sami Camp
Visit a Sami tent or ‘lavvu’ and ‘gamme’ (Sami wooden hut); feast on the tastes of traditional Sami food – reindeer stew and bread … a treat not to be missed !
Sami Foods
Traditionally Sami cuisine was based on local materials – fish, game, reindeer and berries as other vegetables and fruits were scarce during long winters. Reindeer, fish and game meats are staple foods; smoking and drying historically used to preserved meat and fish.
Sample delicious and tasty reindeer stew served with bread is definitely a winner after being in the brisk outdoors.
And after meal, gather around the fire … listen to Sami history, stories and songs or ‘joiking’ …
Sami People
Native people of northern Europe inhabiting ‘Sapmi’ – which encompasses northern Sweden, Norway, Finland and Kola Peninsula of Russia; traditional Sami lifestyle is dominated by hunting, fishing and trading. Sami have co-existed with their neighbours for centuries; resurgence of defence of the Sami in recent years sort to preserve Sami culture, traditions and surviving 9 out of 11 dialects.
Genetic origin of the Sami is still unknown, but their genetic lineage is unique, reflecting early history of geographic isolation. Nomadic lifestyle, following reindeer migration; majority of the Sami settled along inland rivers, fjords or coast.
Today, reindeer husbandry, fishermen, Sami arts and tourism form only a minor part of the Sami culture. Modernisation education, communication, industrialisation have contributed to integrating Sami communities into Norwegian society.
The Sami have been recognised as ” indigenous people in Norway (1990 according to ILO convention169) and therefore according to international law, Sami people are entitled special protection and rights”. Promotion of Sami culture, language, arts and crafts are now supported by the authorities.
Conclusion
Reindeers in natural habitat … unique Sami culture … special bond between Sami and Nature – like all indigenous peoples holds philosophy that we should live in harmony with our surroundings. Take only what we need, let nature regenerate and replenish itself.
An unforgettable experience !
