Understanding Sámi Reindeer Herders' Knowledge Systems of Snow and Ice

Abstract

This chapter presents an interdisciplinary investigation on Sámi knowledge systems of snow and ice in general and those related to Sámi reindeer herding specifically. This knowledge has helped Sámi people in their everyday lives and enabled them to manage and survive under extremely challenging and constantly changing climatic conditions for thousands of years in the Arctic region. Snow covers the ground more than seven months of the year, and snow defines most of the conditions for reindeer survival, which is dependent on the ability to access lichen through the snow. As the chapter shows in detail, Sámi reindeer herders’ knowledge of snow and grazing conditions in winter is part of their traditional knowledge, which is a systematic way of thinking and knowing that is elaborated and applied to phenomena across biological, physical, cultural and linguistic systems. The knowledge system contains two main categories: First, snow concepts containing elements of the physical nature of snow and ice and second, snow concepts with a wider meaning than snow physics, which can be defined as basic concepts in reindeer herding. The use of Sámi snow concepts mirrors reindeer herders’ traditional knowledge of the management of the herd on snow-covered ground and how herders deal with these complex systems. This kind of knowledge has contributed to the survival of reindeer herding since time immemorial.