🌿🦌 Respect the culture: Sámi territories, reindeer herding and souvenirs without "cultural appropriation" 🎁

Why this guide

Sápmi is the homeland of the Sámi people, covering northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula. When travelling through Troms og Finnmark, you will encounter active pastures, migration routes and places where culture lives on today — in museums, workshops and reindeer herding families. Below are practical rules on how to be a good guest and how to buy authentic items that support the Sami community rather than tourist copies.

Behaviour on pastures and in nature

1) Keep your distance from reindeer and do not feed them

Reindeer are not attractions or pets. Do not approach them, chase them for photos or feed them — this harms the herds and the work of the reindeer herders. In Tromsø and the surrounding area, there are explicit requests not to disturb the reindeer, not to feed them and to keep dogs on a leash.

Keep dogs on a leash. Norway has a nationwide "båndtvang" law: from 1 April to 20 August, all dogs must be kept on a leash (municipalities may extend this period). This is done in the interests of wildlife, grazing and tamreins (semi-domesticated reindeer).

If you encounter wild reindeer in the mountains (southern Norway): stop and move away — the animals are extremely shy and particularly vulnerable in spring and winter.

2) Photos/videos — only with permission

The ethics are simple: ask permission before photographing people in gákti (traditional clothing) or family life. This is a basic rule that Visit Norway puts at the top of its list for respectful interaction with the Sami people.

3) Drones — with great caution

Drones disturb animals and people. The national tourist code explicitly states that drone flights can be disruptive — show special consideration (and check the official flight rules). The aviation authority (Luftfartstilsynet) publishes summary rules for Norway: where you can fly, minimum distances, restrictions over people and protected areas.

4) Lavvu/goahti, sacred sites and privacy

Lavvu (lávvu) and turf huts are private spaces, entry is by invitation only. There are sacred natural sites (sieidi) in Sápmi: treat them with respect, do not take "souvenirs" and do not leave items behind. The ethics of visiting and protecting sacred sites are discussed as norms of "culturally sensitive tourism" in Sápmi; the official ethical guidelines of the Sámi Parliament of Finland, which apply throughout Sápmi, can be used as a reference.

5) "Right to nature" — with responsibilities

Norwegian visitor guidelines remind visitors to respect animals, close gates, not leave rubbish behind and use designated parking areas — freedom to enjoy nature ("allemannsretten") comes with responsibilities towards people and nature.

Gákti — not a carnival costume

Gákti is a marker of origin, family and territorial ties, not a "costume" for parties. Ethical alternative: modern designs inspired by tradition (jewellery, accessories) created by Sami artists. Visit Norway describes modern Sami silver and design as living fashion — something that anyone can wear while supporting the artists.

How to buy ethically: how to distinguish the original from "Sami-inspired"

Look for signs of authenticity:

● Sámi Duodji is a mark indicating that an item is authentic duodji (traditional craftsmanship) made by a Sámi master using traditional forms and techniques. The mark is administered by the Sámi Council through licensing organisations in Norway, Sweden and Finland.

● Sámi Made is a mark indicating that a product has been made by a Sámi person or a Sámi company (including modern design, books, clothing, etc.) — it confirms the origin even if it is not traditional duodji.

These marks have been launched/updated by the Sámi Council as a tool to combat counterfeiting and cultural appropriation and to enable consumers to consciously support Sámi producers.

Five questions for the seller:

1. Who is the author (name of the craftsman/workshop)?
   
2. Are traditional materials and techniques used (for duodji)?
   
3. Is there a Sámi Duodji/Sámi Made label or information about membership in professional organisations?
   
4. Where was it made (not 'designed in Norway, made in ...' without the maker's name)?
   
5. How to care for/repair the item (craftsmanship = long service life)?
   

Mini-guide: where to learn about the culture and find handmade items in [Lock: Troms og Finnmark]

● Sámiid Vuorká‑Dávvirat — Sámi Museum, Karasjok. The largest collection of Sámi cultural history in Norway; the museum shop sells books and jewellery by Sámi artisans. An excellent starting point for distinguishing authentic items.

● Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš — Sámi Centre for Contemporary Art (Karasjok). Permanent exhibitions and a small shop/gallery with art, design and duodji.

● Juhls Silver Gallery (Guovdageaidnu/Kautokeino and showroom in Bergen). A historic silver workshop since 1959; a place to see the development of Sámi silver jewellery. (When buying, ask about the authorship/markings and origin of the design.)

● Example of a local workshop: Sara Duodji (Karasjok) — products based on reindeer herding traditions and materials. (See how the workshop describes the materials/practices.)

Note: this is not an advertisement or an exhaustive list. Look for the Sámi Duodji / Sámi Made labels, ask questions about the artist and production.

Photos/videos: short rules

● Ask for consent before taking portraits, especially in gákti.

● Do not publish "vulnerable locations" (herd parking places, sacred sites).

● Drones: do not fly near people, animals or in protected natural areas; check the official Norwegian drone guide.

Do/Don't — quick reference cards

Do

● Keep dogs on a leash during båndtvang season (1 April–20 August) and always near grazing areas.

● If you encounter a herd or wild reindeer, stop and move away; do not follow them.

● Learn about the history in museums and from local guides; buy from labelled sellers.

Don’t

● Do not feed reindeer or chase them for photos.

● Do not enter a lávvu/goahti without invitation; treat sacred places (sieidi) with respect.

● Do not wear gákti as a "costume"; choose modern Sámi designs.

Where to read and learn more (in Russian/English)

● Travelling with respect | Sami stories (Visit Norway) — a brief summary of communication ethics and photos.

● Visitor guidelines (Visit Norway) — general code of conduct in Norwegian nature, including drones.

● Take care of the reindeer (Visit Tromsø) — local rules for the Tromsø region.

● Sámi Duodji / Sámi Made (Saami Council) — how authenticity marks work.

● RiddoDuottarMuseat (Karasjok) and Sámi Dáiddaguovddáš — institutions that are a good place to start.

We closely follow the rules (including båndtvang and Sámi Duodji / Sámi Made labelling), but local community decisions and seasonal restrictions vary. If you notice an inaccuracy or would like to add local advice (shop, workshop, museum), please let us know and we will update the material.