Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia and northwestern Russia, traditionally engaged in reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. Also refers to their languages and cultural group.
From the Sami word 'Sápmi' referring to their homeland and people. Previously called 'Lapps' by outsiders, but 'Sami' (meaning 'the people' in their own language) is now the preferred and respectful term. The word reflects their own cultural identity rather than external designations.
The Sami represent one of Europe's oldest continuous cultures, with a sophisticated understanding of Arctic survival that predates written history. Their traditional knowledge of reindeer behavior, weather patterns, and sustainable living practices offers invaluable insights for our modern climate challenges - they're not just preserving culture, but potentially crucial wisdom for humanity's future!
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