Herders use snowmobiles to round up their reindeer.

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At Home in the Arctic

Living near the North Pole means a lot of ice and snow—and for some people, reindeer herding.

December 1, 2018
By Emma Carlson Berne

It’s pretty common to hear about reindeer this time of year. But if you were to go to the Arctic, you’d have a good chance of actually spotting one! Reindeer live in this chilly region around the North Pole.

The North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth. It’s located in the middle of the Arctic, one of Earth’s two polar regions. The icy, windy areas around the North and South Poles are the coldest places on the planet.

Reindeer are very important to many native people in the Arctic, like the Sami [SAH-mee]. For centuries, the Sami have relied on reindeer for things like food and clothing. Reindeer herding is a long-time Sami tradition. “Reindeer herding isn’t just a job,” says herder Laura Niittyvuopio (nee-tuh-VUAH-pee-oo). “It’s a way of life.”

Life Up North

Laura lives in Karigasniemi (kah-ree-GAS-nee-eh-mee), a small village in Finland. The Sami people mainly live in the northernmost areas of Finland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Those countries, in addition to the United States, Canada, Iceland, and Denmark, all have land in the Arctic region. 

Reindeer are found in many of those countries too. They feed on plants that grow on the tundra, northern areas where it’s too cold for trees to thrive. They also roam the forests that border the tundra. These animals are built for life in the frigid Arctic. Their thick fur keeps them warm, and their broad hooves help them travel on soft snow.

Kim Walker/Robert Harding Picture Library/National Geographic Creative

While on the move, reindeer herders stay in tents called lavvus.  

Reindeer Roundup

Lola Akinmade Akerstrom

A Sami child in traditional costume

Reindeer play a huge role in Sami culture. The Sami make clothing from reindeer hide and fur, and tools from their antlers and bones. Reindeer meat is a big part of their diet. In the past, reindeer sleighs were the Sami’s main method of transportation. 

Much of Sami life revolves around keeping their reindeer well-fed. Twice a year, the Sami move the herds to new places to graze. The long, dark winter months are spent in cold, dry inland areas. They move the animals to the coast for the summer. The Sami used to follow their herds on skis. Today, they use snowmobiles and helicopters.

Reindeer herding is a family affair. “My siblings and I attended the herding with our father from the time we were toddlers,” says Laura. Sami children are often given a reindeer calf so they learn how to take care of one. “I got my first reindeer when I was 4 or 5,” Laura recalls. 

Now Laura is teaching her family the traditions. “Just like our parents introduced us to herding, we pass our way of life on to our children,” she says. 

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