Sámi reindeer herding

Sámi reindeer herding is a traditional practice of the Indigenous Sámi people in northern Scandinavia and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. It involves the seasonal herding, breeding, and management of reindeer for food, clothing, and cultural purposes. Herders move reindeer between summer and winter grazing areas, coordinating with natural cycles. This practice requires extensive knowledge of the land, reindeer behavior, and ecological sustainability. Reindeer herding is a vital cultural identity for the Sámi, recognized as an Indigenous right under international agreements, and involves a close relationship with the environment, emphasizing harmony and respect for nature.