The reindeer are docile and gentle companions, even to the smallest of Dukha children.
This young girl prepares to clean and bathe a reindeer baby.
The Dukha are also known as the “Tsaatan,” a term that means “reindeer herder.”
These days, there are only roughly 44 Dukha families left. This totals 200-400 people. The reindeer population is diminishing as well.
The Dukha primarily survive off of the tourist industry. People visit and pay money for performances, crafts, and of course, reindeer rides.
The Dukha hunt small woodland animals like rabbits. This earns them about two US dollars.
The Dukha also train golden eagles to aid in their hunting.
Eagle hunting is considered a privilege. Those who are able to do it are well respected by the tribe.
The Dukha believe they have a spiritual connection with all animals.
The connection allows them to feel at home in nature and to maintain their culture despite the growing influence of the outside world.