Of forest, snow and lichen: Sámi reindeer herders’ knowledge of winter pastures in northern Sweden

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the use of forests both by Sámi reindeer herders and for commercial forestry has been a source of increasing conflict in northern Sweden. Forestry disturbs forest ecosystems and thus damages reindeer pastures, especially those rich in ground lichen, for which reindeer forage during the wintertime by digging through the snow. Despite increased communication between the two groups, the Sámi still feel that their interests are not adequately considered by the commercial forestry sector. This paper presents the results of an interdisciplinary study that comprised semi-directed interviews and participant observations. The objective was to understand the Sámi reindeer herders’ extensive ecological knowledge of winter forest pastures, and the characteristics they observe when managing this resource. The study also analysed specific terminology used by the Sámi herders, to describe, analyse and communicate these properties. These terms, as well as Sámi herder knowledge in general, emphasize the importance of snow cover for reindeer grazing in forest pastures, as well as the effects of forest structure and ground vegetation on variations in snow cover during the winter. Whereas the Western use of the word ‘pasture’ is often associated with a specific plant community, the Sámi herders’ understanding of the word also includes the effect of snow on grazing and for this they use a culturally specific word in their language: guohtun. This term conveys the additional notion of whether it is possible for reindeer to access the pasture under the snow. Sámi herder knowledge and know-how allow them to use the mosaic of forest ecosystems to accommodate variability in snow cover during the wintertime, using different forest areas in response to different grazing conditions. Finally, the authors argue that, in order to promote the balanced, multiple use of boreal forest ecosystems, it is necessary to acknowledge and understand Sámi reindeer herders knowledge and thus to fully integrate their needs and aspirations.