Arctic wisdom - fishing

Fishing has always been important for the Sámi, both as a source of food and income.  For those who herd reindeer, fishing has saved them in years when the grazing is poor.  During the summer months, when many of the reindeer herders are living in isolated homes in the mountains, fish becomes the main source of food. In the autumn, it is common to catch fish and freeze them for the winter.

Over time a fishing trade became established where fish buyers used boats, helicopters and aeroplanes to buy fish from the families who lived and fished in the most distant mountain lakes.  Arctic char and whitefish were the most common species of fish caught for this ‘cash fishing’ that was most active during the 1970s. 

These days the importance of cash fishing has declined and there are only a small number of Sámi who live solely from fishing, but fishing for an additional income is important.  Small- scale fishing is also very important to meet the nutritional needs of all households.