Ánte Erik Smuk
- Animal welfare above all else
I have never felt obligated to take over the reindeer husbandry from my parents. My only commitment is towards the reindeer. It is my responsibility to ensure that the reindeer have the best possible living conditions, from being born out on the tundra in the spring to being brought to the slaughterhouse when the time comes. Animal welfare is of utmost importance to me; it surpasses everything else.
In 2017, I took over the siida* share. Prior to that, I had obtained my bricklayer certification and spent a couple of years working in the south. Upon returning to Finnmark, my initial plan was to combine bricklaying with reindeer herding. However, it didn't take long for reindeer husbandry to become my full-time occupation. Today, I can't imagine any other life than this.
Being a tour guide in Davas is also a valuable learning experience for me. Participants often ask questions that make me reflect on things that I may not have been so conscious of before. Things that are ingrained as inherited knowledge through generations. At the same time, I find it fulfilling to provide people with a good understanding of Sami way of life and reindeer husbandry.
However, the best part is taking the participants out on excursions. From a young age, I myself have been taken out to the wilderness and have spent a significant portion of my upbringing here. This has given me a deep understanding of the local nature, which I enjoy sharing with others. Moreover, it provides an added sense of security for our guests knowing that we, as tour guides, are so familiar with the wilderness. We hold great respect for the elements including weather, wind, and other conditions, and we will never compromise on safety.
*A siida is a group of Sámi people who collectively manage their reindeer herd.