Episode 6

The Things I Can See On the Mountains

After thousands of years of tradition, a shifting climate is forcing changes in the way Sámi families herd reindeer. But some climate solutions are also threatening their way of life. This is the story of the Aleksandersens, a Sámi reindeer herding family in northern Norway.

For an update on the Aleksandersens and the wind farm project, check out this extra episode.

Transcript

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Reiulf Aleksandersen and two of his children, Sara Katrine and Ulf Isak

Reiulf Aleksandersen and two of his children, Sara Katrine and Ulf Isak

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo Credit: Amy Martin

Sara Katrine Aleksandersen pounds a fence post.

Sara Katrine Aleksandersen pounds a fence post.

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo Credit: Amy Martin

Reiulf Aleksandersen and his son Ulf Isak

Reiulf Aleksandersen and his son Ulf Isak

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo Credit: Amy Martin

The Aleksandersen family’s reindeer herding land

The Aleksandersen family’s reindeer herding land

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo credit: Amy Martin

Sara Katrine and Reiulf Aleksandersen work together to make a place where they can gather their reindeer herd.

Sara Katrine and Reiulf Aleksandersen work together to make a place where they can gather their reindeer herd.

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo credit: Amy Martin

As they get older and learn how to use their knives for different tasks, the children are given knives with longer blades.

As they get older and learn how to use their knives for different tasks, the children are given knives with longer blades.

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo credit: Amy Martin

Children in Sámi reindeer herding families are given knives and taught how to use them. Younger children get knives with shorter blades.

Children in Sámi reindeer herding families are given knives and taught how to use them. Younger children get knives with shorter blades.

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo credit: Amy Martin

Reindeer herding in winter

Reindeer herding in winter

Kvaløya, Norway. Photo credit: Aleksandersen family

“I think everything we do with the reindeer, and in the reindeer herding life is special… That is something I want to take care of.” — Sara Katrine Aleksandersen, 16

“I think everything we do with the reindeer, and in the reindeer herding life is special… That is something I want to take care of.” — Sara Katrine Aleksandersen, 16

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo credit: Amy Martin

Ulf Isak Aleksandersen is 10 years old, and speaks three languages: Norwegian, Sámi and English.

Ulf Isak Aleksandersen is 10 years old, and speaks three languages: Norwegian, Sámi and English.

Kvaløya, Norway. June 2017. Photo credit: Amy Martin

Risten Aleksandersen in protest

Risten Aleksandersen in protest

Kvaløya, Norway. November 2018. Photo credit: Aleksandersen family

Reiulf Aleksandersen and two of his children, Sara Katrine and Ulf Isak

Sara Katrine Aleksandersen pounds a fence post.

Reiulf Aleksandersen and his son Ulf Isak

The Aleksandersen family’s reindeer herding land

Sara Katrine and Reiulf Aleksandersen work together to make a place where they can gather their reindeer herd.

As they get older and learn how to use their knives for different tasks, the children are given knives with longer blades.

Reindeer herding in winter

Ulf Isak Aleksandersen is 10 years old, and speaks three languages: Norwegian, Sámi and English.

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Project Nordlicht

When Project Nordlicht is complete, it will have 67 turbines, supplying 281 megawatts of power. It will be one of the largest on-shore wind energy projects in Europe, and it’s located right on top of the land used the Aleksandersens, a Sámi reindeer herding family in Norway.

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Next episode:

Episode 7: Hello, Central!

Extra 2: Blowing in the Wind