siidaa

Siidaa, also spelled siida in many sources, refers to the traditional Sámi social and economic unit. It is typically a group of related families that share a common reindeer herd and a defined territory. The siida serves as the core foundation of Sámi reindeer herding, coordinating herd management, migration routes, and the use of pastures and resources in a collective manner.

Historically, siidas moved seasonally with the herd across the Arctic and subarctic lands of the Fennoscandian region, spanning present-day Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia. While the lifestyle remains rooted in herding, modern siidas operate within national legal frameworks. Governance is usually based on customary law and consensus, with leadership drawn from adult members and decisions made collectively or by a chosen committee. Exact structures vary by region and community.

Territorial use is central to the siida, which holds rights to the grazing lands and watercourses within its defined area. These rights guide seasonal migrations, pasture access, and environmental stewardship, and siidas may coordinate with regional organizations or governmental bodies on land-use planning and resource management. In different countries the exact legal terminology differs: in Finland, siidas are recognized as legally defined reindeer-herding communities; in Sweden the related unit is commonly called a sameby; in Norway similar Sámi social structures exist as part of reindeer-herding traditions.

Culturally, the siida is a key institution in Sámi life, shaping language, customs, and kinship networks. Today siidas often participate in wider Sámi governance and rights discussions, linking traditional practices with contemporary land-use policy and indigenous rights initiatives.