Renhväjärjestelmä

Renhväjärjestelmä, often translated as the reindeer herding system, is a traditional method of managing and raising reindeer practiced primarily by the Sámi people in Fennoscandia. This system is deeply intertwined with Sámi culture, economy, and their relationship with the Arctic and subarctic environment. The core of the renkhväjärjestelmä involves semi-nomadic herding, where reindeer are moved between seasonal grazing areas. Historically, this involved extensive migrations across vast territories, following natural food sources like lichens, mosses, and grasses.

Modern renkhväjärjestelmä incorporates elements of traditional knowledge with contemporary practices. While large-scale migrations are less common due to infrastructure and land use changes, reindeer are still herded to specific pastures for feeding and protection. This often includes utilizing fenced areas for supplementary feeding during harsh winter months. The system relies on communal cooperation, with families and villages often working together to manage and care for the herds. Ownership is typically individual or familial, but the herding itself is a collective endeavor. Key aspects include marking individual reindeer to identify ownership, seasonal round-ups for counting and treatment, and protection against predators. The renkhväjärjestelmä is not only an economic activity providing meat, hides, and antlers but also a vital element of Sámi cultural identity and heritage.