VI
EN
Each year, at the end of winter, the Sami people herd their reindeer, numbering in the thousands, across northern Scandinavia to new lands where living conditions are better. The reindeer migration is a great journey, taking up to two months to complete.
Approximately 3,500 reindeer are being herded for the migration, and dozens of Sami people will migrate with them. The Sami are indigenous people of Scandinavia, scattered across the snow-covered regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Traditionally, the Sami people live by coastal fishing, trapping animals, and sheep herding. Their most well-known livelihood is reindeer herding, with about 10% of the population involved in this occupation, and approximately 2,800 people participating full-time.
For traditional, environmental, cultural, and political reasons, reindeer herding is legally reserved for the Sami people in certain regions of Northern Europe. Reindeer meat is tastier than beef and very expensive, so the Sami people usually do not slaughter reindeer but instead care for them. Even if a driver accidentally hits a reindeer, they have to pay a large sum of money in compensation.
The most valuable asset of the Sami people is their reindeer herd, so their migrations are incomplete without Sami people who accompany and protect them. The reindeer are fed the dried grass they bring, given water, and receive medical care, ensuring their safe arrival in new lands.
