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A ‘Summit’ for Reindeer

Woman in camouflage jacket stands on grassy tundra next to huddle of children.

Reindeer herding is the “only viable northern agricultural pursuit,” says Nome-area herder Ann Davis, “and reindeer are fun!” Plus, they’re good for the subsistence economy; their meat is a source of sustenance, and reindeer parts like hooves and hide can be used for arts and crafts.

Earlier this summer, Ann and husband Bruce hosted a “summit” introducing local youth to their line of work: reindeer herding at their Midnite Sun Reindeer Ranch.

Reindeer herding has a value that’s perhaps even greater than its economic benefits: it keeps alive generations of indigenous subsistence knowledge and tradition. It’s a distinctively Western Alaska profession, and as the Davises tell KNOM listeners, the kids love it.

Image at top: Jackie Hrabok-Leppajarvi of the University of Alaska–Fairbanks shows kids how to lasso. Photo: Katie Kazmierski, KNOM.

A close-up of a reindeer grazing on tundra grass
A reindeer at the Davises’ ranch. Photo: Mitch Borden, KNOM.

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Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that KNOM Radio Mission is located on the customary lands of Indigenous peoples. 

Based in the Bering Strait region, KNOM broadcasts throughout the homelands of the Iñupiaq, Siberian Yup’ik, Cup’ik and Yup’ik peoples.