Natural Intelligence is making a promise to the land and committing to that pledge season after season.
We travelled to Swedish Lapland for a two-day expedition to experience firsthand the connection between the Indigenous Sámi people and the land they have called home for 10,000 years.
Located just 50 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, the region doesn’t abide by the traditional four seasons; it moves to the rhythm of eight. Each brings a shift in conditions that guides every aspect of life. Here, for the Sámi, Natural Intelligence is a pact made directly with nature—one rooted in taking only what is needed and preserving the environment for generations to come.
Preparing traditional Gáhkku, a thick, soft flatbread baked over an open flame.
GATHERED INSIDE A TRADITIONAL LAVVU (SMOKE TENT), GUESTS JOINED MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL SAMI COMMUNITY TO SHARE A LUNCH PREPARED OVER AN OPEN FIRE USING SEASONAL, LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS. ACCOMPANYING THE MEAL, THE HOST INTRODUCED JOJK, A SÁMI VOCAL ART FORM THAT EVOKES A PERSON, PLACE, OR ANIMAL AND IS PASSED DOWN ORALLY THROUGH FAMILY LINEAGE. TOGETHER, THESE MOMENTS OFFERED INSIGHT INTO A CULTURE WHERE IDENTITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND DAILY LIFE REMAIN DEEPLY ROOTED IN PLACE.
ON DAY TWO, THE GROUP EXPLORED THE BOREAL FOREST BY HORSEBACK, EXPERIENCING THE SCALE AND STILLNESS OF SWEDISH LAPLAND AT A SLOWER PACE.
THE JOURNEY REVEALED THE FOREST'S CENTRAL ROLE AS BOTH TEACHER AND PROVIDER IN SAMI LIFE, INFORMING EVERYTHING FROM REINDEER HERDING AND TRADITIONAL CRAFT TO CULTURAL PRACTICES AND SPIRITUAL BELIEFS.
“We made a promise. We made a pact. We don’t own the land. We look after the land and we give it to future generations.” – Anna Kuhmunen, Sámi guide
Each guest stayed in a unique treetop room suspended amongst the forest, showcasing renowned Scandinavian architecture and design.
The expedition concluded around an open fire beneath the northern lights, accompanied by huskies and surrounded by the quiet of the forest.
