The Sami cooperative herding group: the siida system from past to present

Abstract

The Sami siida has been described as an organizational institution tailored to meet the dynamic demands of reindeer herding. Historically, it has been characterized as a relatively small group based on kinship. It was formed around a core sibling group and distinguished by a norm of equality where herding partners were equals regardless of social status. Moreover, it was informally led by a wealthy and skilfull person whose authority was primarily related to herding. One of the critical aspects of the siida was flexibility: composition and size changed according to the season, and members were free to join and leave the groups as they saw fit. This comparative study of the current status of the siida system in the Northern and Southern parts of Norway shows that the main difference between the historical representation of the siida system and today concerns a loss of flexibility. Only two herders reported to have changed summer and winter siida since 2000. Furthermore, while the siida continues to be family-based, leadership is becoming more formal. Nevertheless, decision-making continues to be influenced by concerns of equality.