Traditional ecological knowledge, snow and Sami reindeer herding

A herder's knowing requires constant observation and response to what has been observed. Different situations and places function as epistemological perspectives from which herders look at and perceive the world. This paper gives examples of how the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of Sami reindeer herders helps them to make decisions regarding adaptive strategies to changing weather and climate conditions. The words for snow Constitute a part of TEK. Snow terminology helps Sami herders to identify and describe those aspects of the environment that are significant for adaptation. Furthermore, the paper argues that traditional ecological knowledge has the capacity to enrich scientific knowledge. The strength of the traditional ecological knowledge is strongly linked to the local, context-bound character of knowing. It is manifest that traditional knowledge is increasingly attracting attention. However, many integrative approaches have failed. More information sharing is needed regarding the nature of traditional ecological knowledge and full indigenous participation has to be favoured. It is also time to re-evaluate the epistemological and political status of science and the foundation of its ontology.