The seasonal migration between different places has influenced Sami settlements and how they are constructed
The nomadic lifestyle adapted to reindeer husbandry has made its mark on communities in the cultural landscape of south Saepmie. The way in which we live and how we built our homes reflect our forefathers’ lifestyle.
The southern Sami settlement has traditionally been adapted to a nomadic lifestyle. This can be observed by the types of building we use and how they are constructed. We reside at different settlements during the course of the year, following the reindeer’s migration routes between their various grazing areas. The locations of our settlements indicate the time of year they are used. Both derhviegåetie (a traditional Sami turf–roofed house) and låavthgåetie (tent style housing of a more temporary nature) have a long tradition in the Sami society. They are still used today, predominantly in the summer.
Ideally, homes should be constructed on dry land, on a flat and even surface, well protected from weather and wind. Proximity to water, such as a natural spring or a stream, is important. Thus, there are several criteria that need to be met when selecting a suitable place to build a settlement. Access to materials for building gåetie and other structures has generally been a very important factor. Proximity to a forest for gathering wood and doerkh, twigs, for the gåetie has also been of great importance. Today we use motorized equipment to transport the necessary materials. This gives us greater freedom in our choice of suitable places to erect our homes and other structures.