THE HAIRY GIRAFFE… IN FINNISH LAPLAND
 We are François and Benjamin, Canadian and French giraffe hairstylists and travel enthusiasts. On this blog, discover our travels, tips, moods, and everything you need to become a giraffe hairstylist and embark on travelling the world. An honest blog with photos guaranteed 100% unfiltered and untouched. |
The Sami, also known as Sámi or Saami, are an indigenous group primarily inhabiting the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of northern Scandinavia, Russia, and Finland, as well as some parts of Norway and Sweden. They are often referred to as the “reindeer people” due to their traditional lifestyle centered around reindeer herding.
They have their own language and culture, with the joik, a traditional form of singing, being a perfect example. Historically, the Sami were reindeer herders, a crucial activity for their livelihood. They moved with their reindeer herds across vast expanses of tundra and lived in traditional tents. Fishing and hunting were also part of their means of subsistence.
Today, notably due to climate change, nomadic reindeer herders are becoming increasingly rare. Like many indigenous cultures worldwide, the Sami have faced challenges related to preserving their language, culture, and lands. Issues regarding land rights, natural resource management, and discrimination have been significant concerns for the Sami.
Over the years, the Sami have gained recognition and obtained specific rights as an indigenous people in the countries where they reside. They have also been acknowledged by international conventions, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. Approximately 80,000 Sami people would live in Lapland, with around 8,000 in Finland.
Find all our other articles about Finnish Lapland (detailed itinerary, Travel Reflections, and food…) here:
