A family of reindeer herders

Monday was a day I'll never forget. We were staying with our friend Jessica in a remote cabin in Lapland. Jessica is there filming a documentary about a family of reindeer herders who own the last group of wild reindeer in Finland.

I met Jessica four years ago through my brother. She was making a film about Japanese insect culture, and Yoshi and I helped translate a few things. The film has won awards and is doing really well, so if you haven't yet, make sure you check it out. Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo My brother co-produced the film and Yoshi's nephew stars in it!

Monday night at around 7pm, we drove to the camp where the herders are stationed. The men were still out on their rounds, so we ate our reindeer sandwiches and waited. Two hours later, we heard the rumbling of ATVs through the trees. The men were back. Their heavy leather outfits covered in dirt, their knives dangling from their waist. These were men you don't find in the city.

We had the chance to join Jessica and the herders on one of their calf marking rounds. Reindeer roam freely in the woods and are not domesticated. So, the herders have to gather them into these fences to mark the calves. Each reindeer owner has his own mark, which is sliced into the reindeer's ears. The reindeer didn't cry when their ears were cut, so maybe they don't feel any pain? Once they are marked, they are released into the woods again.

This was an experience I will never forget. Thank you, Jessica! For more information on Jessica and her work, visit her website Myriapod Productions.