Sunskye Films

The Tsaatan people constitute a nomadic tribe residing deep within the Taiga region of northern Mongolia, representing one of the few remaining groups of nomadic reindeer herders globally. Approximately 400 Tsaatan individuals, comprising 70-80 families, form closely-knit communities entirely reliant on their reindeer herds. These animals serve as their primary mode of transportation for various purposes: hunting, gathering firewood, facilitating seasonal migrations, visiting kin and friends, and journeying to nearby towns for trade and provisions. Central to the Tsaatan’ livelihood is reindeer milk, a fundamental component of their diet used to produce essentials like cheese, milk tea, butter, and yogurt. A single reindeer yields a substantial 96-100 liters of dense, nourishing milk during the milking season. Although the Tsaatan occasionally consume reindeer meat, they prioritize expanding their reindeer count rather than slaughtering these animals.