Sámi identity is deeply rooted in the concept of “bireget”—survival—reflecting their historical resilience in the harsh Arctic conditions and struggles against assimilation and racism. According to Sámi journalist Elin Anna Labba, the Sámi people have a fundamental dependence on reindeer, which provide sustenance, economic security, and emotional connection. Recently, reindeer have begun exhibiting migratory behaviors akin to birds with the arrival of spring, prompting the Sámi to follow them to the sea. However, climate change and national borders now endanger both the reindeer herds and the very foundation of Sámi culture. Labba highlights the critical threat these factors pose to their traditional way of life and cultural heritage. The story illuminates the poignant challenges faced by the Sámi people in preserving their identity in a rapidly changing world.

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