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National Geographic Live! : Erika Larsen: The Reindeer People

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National Geographic Live! : Erika Larsen: The Reindeer People

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPiKAhhEHXA

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Reindeer People | Nat Geo Live https://youtu.be/bPiKAhhEHXA National Geographic

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Erika Larsen: The Reindeer People | Nat Geo Live

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Spending years in the field, photographer Erika Larsen has gained unprecedented access into the lives, work, and culture of Scandinavia's fascinating Sami people. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe ➡ Get More Nat Geo Live: http://bit.ly/MoreNatGeoLive About Nat Geo Live (National Geographic Live): Thought-provoking presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, and photographers.

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The Saami culture and people has have changed drastically over the years. The Saami originated as hunters and gatherers, then was forced to merge to become in Sweden's culture. Their culture began to diminish as they were brought into missionary and boarding schools. The Swedish race segregation policy denied the Saami's rights to fish and hunt within the community (nordicway). This policy brought a huge crisis to their culture because hunting and fishing was a large piece of the Saami's culture.

Today, The Saami culture is trying to be preserved. In 1998 Sweden apologized for the suppression they had issued against the Saami (nordicway). The government has helped to construct Saami cultural institutions and helped promote Saami culture and language. The Saami are now the only peole authorized to herd reindeer in Sweden. Today, The Saami population is only in distinct locations where there are generally reindeer, but they still proudly practice their traditional Saami ways.

Pop Culture

Pop culture has been an important artifact to help revitalize the Saami culture. The Saami have various music groups to help preserve the Saami culture. These music groups have performed concerts and produced CD's. Saami music festivals are also arranged. The purpose of the festivals is to bring all Saami people together and educate others about Saami culture.

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Technology and Modernization

The Saami's traditional norms were greatly impacted by technology. The modernization either made daily norms easier or more difficult. In support of reindeer herding, the government constructed fences. This would constrict the reindeer in a specific location for management. This was beneficial for the farmers and the government to keep track of the number of reindeer.

Transport vehicles (Advantages)

The Saami received, snow mobiles, helicopters, and boats to make reindeer herding faster. These new transport vehicles took a fraction of the time from their traditional norms of herding reindeer. These new transport vehicles were swapped with the traditional skis and sleds. Boats and helicopters were used to transport the reindeer to a far distinct location. This wouldn't be possible with the normal means of transportation. This in turn, made the herding process and reindeer count higher. The Saami continue to use these new methods in herding their reindeer.

(Disadvantages)

The snowmobiles were loud which scared the reindeer. The reindeer also had difficulties find their food due to the packed snow that the snowmobile caused. When there was no present, the snowmobiles would tear up the turf; this would result in the grass growing at a slower rate, which would reduce the grazing area for the reindeer. The new transportation vehicles also produced a source of pollution and put harm on the environment, which weren't present in the past with the traditional ways. Farmers in the past also had a more affectionate relationship with the reindeer when herding them. As the norms have changed, the farmers generally don't have this relationship anymore, where they just perform their job.

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The Saami are a very welcoming indigenous group. However, the Norwegianization took advantage of the Sammi people's friendliness. The Norwegianization was a government policy brought by the Norwegian government against the Saami. The policy tried to bring conformity to the Saami and Norwegian groups. The Saami originally lived in the northern tundra of Scandinavia. Newcomers began to move towards the original Saami lands. Most often, the Saami would make peace with the foreigners. Yet, the agriculturists and nationalism groups would class with the Saami. The Western world believed in ownership; while, the Saami believed that everything was unified. To avert conflict, the Saami decided to not fight for the land, and move to another location. This made it difficult for the Saami, as they were accustomed to performing their daily norms in an orderly fashion at the original location.

New Colonization

After the new government policy, the Saami began to move further north. The Saami began to move further north due to the policy's settlement push. They began to move as much north as possible, until they couldn't move north anymore. This is where complications arose. The Saami did not own this land of Saami. This resulted in farming and reindeer herding constraints. The land was also unsuitable for the reindeer. The grazing areas were poor, due to climate changes in the are of the summer and winter months. In result, the reindeer began to die of malnutrition. Many reindeer were hit by trains and cars by the virtue of incoming trains and cars due to modernization. The reindeer also wandered off into neighboring establishments, where they would get lost or killed.

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The following is a summary of an article written by Doug Simms of the University of Texas (2007). Mr. Simm's article provides one of the possible theories of the origin of the Sami people, as well as a brief history of the people.Contrary to the idea that the Sami lived in Scandinavia during the last Ice Age, is another theory which holds that the first human habitation in this region occurred around 8,000 - 6,000 B.C. by a people known as the Fosna and Komsa cultures. This theory is based on archaeological evidence which has turned up signs of human habitation on the coastal region of Scandanavia during this period. It is thought that the people who settled in the region during this time were the ancestors of the Sami people. According to this theory, in addition to European migrants setting Scandinavia there were also migrants from the Ural region of Asia. This is based on cultural artifacts which are found spread between the two regions. Based on this idea that the Sami share a European and Asian heritage, this theory helps explain why the languages of the Sami are Uralic in nature.

The Sami have been referred to by several names throughout their recorded history. Starting around 97 A.D., they have been referred to by different historians and writers by names such as: Fenni, Scrithiphini, Screrefennae, Lappir. Sometime around the 13th century the name "Sami" began to appear. Although different historians and writers referred to the Sami by these different names, it is believed that they are all references to the Sami, because the descriptions of the Sami people are all more or less the same. They were described as a people using skis to traverse the harsh Scandinavian countryside, a people who used reindeer, who lived off the land, as well as other qualities and traits of the Sami people.

Although Christianity arrived in Scandinavia sometime around the 10th century A.D., the majority of the Sami people held to their traditions. As a result, they were sometimes referred to by outsiders as "heathens." Starting sometime in the Dark or Middle Ages, it is believed by some that local norse and viking kings taxed the Sami or demanded tribute from them, and as a result the Sami were became victims of this exploitation. Others have argued that there was trade involved between local kingdoms and the Sami, which benefited the Sami people.

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According to Broadbend (2009), The Sami are spread mostly throughout the Scandinavia countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as the Kola Peninsula in Russia. While the origin of the Sami is debated and largely unknown, they have been documented as far back as the Roman Empire, under different names. Their earliest appearance in written history is found in the writings of P. Cornelius Tacitus titled "Germania," which was written around 97-98 A.D. In Tacitus's writings they were referred to as the "Fenni." (p. 158)

In her article on the origins and genetics of the Sami, Melissa Stroud provides information and theories regarding the Sami. The following information is summarized from her article (2005). Although many Sami have a similar physical appearance with other people of the Scandinavian region(fair skin, fair hair color, etc.), there are studies which have shown that genetically they are distinct from most of the neighboring people in the countries of Scandinavia and Russia.  One theory which seeks to explain this genetic difference is that the Sami people lived in isolation for thousands of years in Scandinavia, before the Indo-European ancestors of most Scandinavians began to dominate the region. The Sami may have inhabited Scandinavian lands as early as the ice ages (20,000 - 16,000 B.C.). According to this theory, while other people of European descent migrated south to warmer lands, the Saami continued to live in this harsh environment well up to the period when Indo-European migrations started bringing more people to the region (around 8,000 B.C.).

One of the biggest mysteries of the Sami involves their genetic heritage and language. Although their languages have been Uralic in nature, they are believed to have originated in Europe without much, if any genetic influences from Asia. Despite this uncertainty about their origins, genetic testing has suggested that the Saami and Finns share a common genetic ancestor. In addition to this, both groups traditionally spoke Uralic languages. One theory holds that these Finish people broke away from their Sami relatives, and intermixed with Indo-European people who migrated to the region. If this theory is true, then the Saami are more than residents of the Scandinavian region, they are also ancestors of many of the residents of Finnland.

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There is no census of the Saami people, but it has been approximated that they are a population of 80,000. The Saami people are spread across four countries: Sweden, Norway, FInland and Russia. It is expected that Sweden contains 20,000, Norway contains 50,000, FInland contains 8,000 and Russia contains 2,000 of the Saami people. Majority of these people live in the far Northern regions of these countries in arctic and sub arctic environments. Since the Saami people are spread across much land, the ecology varies from group to group. The Saami live from the seashore to high up into the mountains.

The Saami have eight seasons per year: late-winter (March - April), Spring (May - June), Early-Summer (June), Summer (July - August), Late-Summer (August), Autumn (September - October), Early-Winter (November), and Winter (December - April. The Saami have 300 different words in their language for snow. This being said for the majority of the year the Saami live with snow covered grounds. This caused the Saami to migrate with the reindeer. During the winter season the Saami live in the forest and during the summer they migrate to the mountains. The Saami usually have homes built to each of their migrating areas, but they sometimes live in tipis.

The cold climate means harsh conditions for animals, so only a few are able to adapt such as reindeer and elk. This limits the Saami to only certain food resources. The Saami also live near many lakes and rivers, so fish is also a big food source for the population.

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The United Nations recognize the Saami people as an indigenous population. This allows them to preserve crafts, language, education, reindeer husbandry, traditions and identity. The Saami people wish to keep their traditions, but modernization has had a major effect on the culture.

A major change has been occupation. Historically, the Saami solely relied on reindeer herding for survival. Now only ten percent of Saami people earn a living from reindeer. It is common for the wife to have a paying job while the husbands continue the reindeer herding. Many of these jobs are from tourism.

One of the tourist centers receives about 25,000 tourists every year. Although tourism is creating jobs and financial support for the Saami it has many disadvantages to reindeer herding. Tourism is causing an increase in littering, wear and tear and noise. A golf course was built in the middle of a major grazing area for the reindeer. Now a major debate has began because two ski resorts wish to connect by adding a large ski lift between them. The ski lift would be placed right in the middle of a reindeer migration route for the summer and winter seasons. The ski resorts, Idre Fjail and Fjatervalen, promise 300 more full time jobs for the Saami people and an increase of 6,000 tourists beds. These resorts also wish to build the tourist housing on another major reindeer grazing area.

Technology

Before the 1950's the Saami's only form of transportation and herding of reindeer were skis and herding dogs. Then snowmobiles and walkie-talkies were introduced. Later motorcycles and helicopters came into use. Finally, the cell phone and internet became of factor of the Saami's culture. Now, the Saami utilize all of these tools for transportation, herding and communication.

Main technology influences include:

trains, cars, snowmobiles, seaplanes, helicopters, ATV, motorycles and outboard motors

radio, walkie-talkies, NMT (nordic mobile phones), computers, internet and satelite phones

electricity

New transportation technology has eased the physical demand that reindeer herding induces.

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"We, Saami are one people, united in our own culture, language and history, living in areas which, since time immemorial and up to historical times, we alone inhabited and utilized."

- Saami Political Program 1986 Saami Council statement

About

“The Saami Council is a voluntary Saami organization (a non–governmental organization), with Saami member organizations in Finland, Russia, Norway and Sweden. Since its foundation in 1956 the Saami Council has actively dealt with Saami policy tasks. For this reason the Saami Council is one of the indigenous peoples’ organizations which have existed longest.

The primary aim of the Saami Council is the promotion of Saami rights and interests in the four countries where the Saami are living, to consolidate the feeling of affinity among the Saami people, to attain recognition for the Saami as a nation and to maintain the economic, social and cultural rights of the Saami in the legislation of the four states. (Norway, Sweden, Russia and Finland). This objective can be achieved through agreements between these states and the bodies representing the Saami people, the Saami parliaments.

Saami Council renders opinions and makes proposals on questions concerning Saami people’s rights, language and culture and especially on issues concerning Saami in different countries.”

Website

http://www.saamicouncil.net/

Email

saamicouncil@saamicouncil.net

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What is being done to ensure the Saami culture doesn’t become
extinct?

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What is being done to ensure the Saami culture doesn’t become
extinct?

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Many policies have been added since 1976 to improve the Saami pastoral ecosystem including the modernization of the productions system.

Public investment with the goal of improving the Saami living standards has resulted in rapid cultural changes for the Saami.

Increasing the distance between families and the seasonal pastures

Longer commutes has increased the use of motorized vehicles

Some Saami have used fences to privatize previously shared pastures

Increase in the need for spouses to bring home income outside of herding to account for the increase in cost of this modernization.

The Reindeer Management Act defined Saami pastoralism as an occupation.

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What health ramifications are there for the Saami?

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What health ramifications are there for the Saami?

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Traditional Life and Westernization

Modernization, changes in living conditions, climate change and loss of cultural traditions has been associated with the increase in stress, alcohol abuse, violence and suicide in the Saami populations.

Those living in a community of Saami with a strong culture showed improved mental when compared to Saami living in weaker cultural communities. This was especially true in adolescents who showed lessrisk taking behaviors and better satisfaction with their body.

Studies have found an increase in the incidence of stroke in the Saami population of both the men and women who have adopted a more Westernized lifestyle.

Typically the Saami traditional lifestyle is associated with many health benefits. Health benefits include the reduced risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease associated with the physical activities of traditional life and the traditional diet rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.

Climate Change and Health Implications

Climate change is having a negative impact on the Saami population’s health.

Traditional foods have become less accessible and the diet change is negatively impacting the benefits previously associated with the Saami and their traditional diet.

Temperature changes and ultraviolet light are having an effect on the overall health of the Saami.

Increase community stress and food security has negatively impacted the health of the Saami who rely heavily on the environment.

Changes in weather such as extreme weather events has been associated with the rise in mortality rates, rates of injury and the number of hospitalizations of infants with pneumonia, meningitis and respiratory infections.

Reindeer Herding a High Risk Occupation

Pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders, elbows and hands is frequently found due to the repetitive nature of the job and awkward body postures of the men involved in reindeer herding.

Women suffer higher risk of health concerns due psychological stress from poor social support high effort for low reward and other economical responsibilities associated with reindeer herding.

Studies noted a high incidence of fatal accidents from working in the harsh and cold environments.

The use of snowmobiles regularly has caused vibration injuries such as nerve and blood vessel damage in the hands and arms.

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What is the environmental impact of development?

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What is the environmental impact of development?

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Policy Changes

Much of what the government and Saami Reindeer Herders’ Association have agreed upon in policies to improve living standards for the Saami has had a negative effect on the environment.

The large herd accumulations have been linked to the destruction of lichen pastures used in the winter, resulting in the overgrowth of mountain birch.

The increase in reindeer has steadily broken down the informal winter grazing traditional to the Saami and is quickly becoming very competitive in winter pastures where resources are now limited.

Other seasonal pastures are eroding as the policies limit the flexibility and mobility of the Saami.

Globalization and Climate Change

Globalization responsible in part for climate change is having a severe and detrimental effect on the arctic environment and the indigenous communities.

Climate change affects foraging conditions for the Saami reindeer which affects the productivity of their herd which ultimately affects the Saam herders income and livelihood.

The effects of the climate change are well documented and could be either direct or indirect.

Influence of temperature on survival of the animals

Increasing of sudden extreme weather events

Changes in snow quality such as rain on snow

Lack of foraging resources

Changes in snow coverage limits mobility

Limiting of traditional foods

Changes in health due to changes of resources

Mid winter thawing of snow

Late and early lying snow

Precipitation changes

Reduced summer soil moisture

Changes in the nutrition quality of foraged plants during the summer

The changes in the climate have resulted in a change in the patterns of movement of the Saami.

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Website background image: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Nordic_Sami_people_Lavvu_1900-1920.jpg

Vera H. Hausner, Per Fauchald, Torkild Tveraa, Elisabeth Pedersen, Johnny-Leo Jernsletten, Birgitte Ulvevadet, Rolf A. Ims, Kari Anne. Bråthen. (2011).The Ghost of Development Past: the Impact of Economic Security Policies on Saami Pastoral Ecosystems. Resilience Alliance.

Tyler, N. J. C., Turi, J. M., Sundset, M. A., Strom, B. K., Sara, M. N., Reinert, E., Oskal, N. Corell, R. W. (May 01, 2007). Saami reindeer pastoralism under climate change: Applying a generalized framework for vulnerability studies to a sub-arctic social-ecological system. Global Environmental Change,17,2, 191-206.

Sjölander, P., Hassler, S., & Janlert, U. (January 01, 2008). Stroke and acute myocardial infarction in the Swedish Sami population: Incidence and mortality in relation to income and level of education.Scandinavian Journal of Public Health,36,1, 84-91.

Callaghan, T. V., Brown, R. D., Brown, R. D., Groisman, P. Y., Bradley, R. S., Bradley, R. S., Bradley, R. S. Wood, E. F. (January 01, 2011). Multiple Effects of Changes in Arctic Snow Cover.Ambio, 40, 32-45.

Sjölander, P. (January 01, 2011). What is known about the health and living conditions of the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia, the Sami?. Global Health Action, 4.

Broadbent, N. D. (2009). A Brief Overview of the Chronology of North Bothnian Sealing during the Iron Age and a Theory of Punctuated Sedentism. Arctic Anthropology, 46(1/2), 158-166.

Stroud, Melissa. (2005). Origin and Genetic Background of the Sami. Retrived from: http://www.utexas.edu/courses/sami/dieda/hist/genetic.htm

Simms, Doug. (1997). The Early Period of Sámi History, from the Beginnings to the 16th Century. Retrived from: http://www.utexas.edu/courses/sami/dieda/hist/early.htm

"The Sami - an Indigenous People In Sweden." Sapmi. Regeringskansliet, 2005. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.

"Sami in Sweden." Sweden.se. Swedish Institute, 6 Mar. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Vars, Laila. "Get to Know the Sami Country." Galdu. Centre For the Rights of Indigenous People, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.

Sonniksen, Dirk. "Reindeer Herding in Norway." Reindeer Herding in Norway. University of Texas, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

Taylor, Bron. The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature. N.p.: Continuum, n.d. Print. Saami Culture.

Smith, Carsten. "Publication Series - Centre for Sami Studies." Publication Series - Centre for Sami Studies. University of Tromso, 1995. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.