The Sami cooperative herding group: the siida system from past to present

Abstract

The Sami siida has been described as an organizational institution tailored to meet the dynamic demands of reindeer herding. Historically, it has been characterized as a relatively small group based on kinship. It was formed around a core sibling group and distinguished by a norm of equality where herding partners were equals regardless of social status. Moreover, it was informally led by a wealthy and skilfull person whose authority was primarily related to herding. One of the critical aspects of the siida was flexibility: composition and size changed according to the season, and members were free to join and leave the groups as they saw fit. This comparative study of the current status of the siida system in the Northern and Southern parts of Norway shows that the main difference between the historical representation of the siida system and today concerns a loss of flexibility. Only two herders reported to have changed summer and winter siida since 2000. Furthermore, while the siida continues to be family-based, leadership is becoming more formal. Nevertheless, decisionmaking continues to be influenced by concerns of equality.

Consequences of COVID-19 on the Reindeer Husbandry in Norway: a Pilot Study Among Management Staff and Herders

“…Finally, siidas are grouped into districts: formal administrative units defined by the government (cf. Næss & Bårdsen, 2013 ; Næss & Bårdsen, 2015 ; Fisktjønmo et al ., 2021 ; Næss et al ., 2021 ). From a national point of view, Saami reindeer husbandry is a relatively small industry consisting of 535 siida -shares and 3329 affiliated individuals (Norwegian Agriculture Agency, 2020 :27).…”

“…This calls for more information about preventive measures and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for reindeer herders. Elders among Saami reindeer herders have a role similar to that of pastoralist elders in the Greater Horn of Africa due to their long experience (Næss et al ., 2021 ). Furthermore, while herders may work alone for days, they are more often working with partners who are likely to change along with the seasonal regrouping of the herd (Paine, 1994 :103).…”

11. Føles som hjemme

“…Små grupper bestående av en eller flere familier lever ved siden av hverandre på hvert sitt territorium. I Norge har vi innslag av denne formen for samfunnsorganisering i den samiske siidaen (Naess et al, 2021).…”

1. Å studere det norske samfunnet som robust fellesskap

“…Små grupper bestående av en eller flere familier lever ved siden av hverandre på hvert sitt territorium. I Norge har vi innslag av denne formen for samfunnsorganisering i den samiske siidaen (Naess et al, 2021).…”