First reindeer arrive in Port Heiden to re-establish herd

The first of 60 reindeer arrived in Port Heiden last week. The Native village is working to re-establish traditional reindeer herding in the community. (Photo courtesy of Village of Port Heiden)
The first of 60 reindeer arrived in Port Heiden last week. The Native village is working to re-establish traditional reindeer herding in the community. (Photo courtesy of Village of Port Heiden)

The first of 60 reindeer began arriving in Port Heiden last week after a several month delay.

Adrianne Christiansen is the business development director for the Native Village of Port Heiden which has been working to reinstate a long-dormant tradition of reindeer herding. She said the reindeer began arriving Friday via charter plane from Stebbins/St. Michael’s.

“And we are really excited to re-establish reindeer herding in Port Heiden,” says Christiansen.

It’s going to be a big community learning experience, says Christiansen. For the next three months, an experienced herder will stay in Port Heiden to teach everyone about the reindeer.

“We have a pen built for them, and we have a traditional reindeer herder down to train our young people to learn how to herd reindeer … so they’ll be in the pen until we all learn how to herd the reindeer.”

Christiansen says about 100 community members, including 30 school-age children, will be trained.

Once the herd is well-established in the area, the community plans to harvest some for food. Christiansen says that may be four or five years down the road.

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