Going Tribal Season 3 Episode 3 Nomads of the Siberian Tundra

In season 3, episode 3 of Going Tribal, the show takes us deep into the vast and remote ice-covered territory of Siberia to meet the brave and resilient nomadic peoples who live there. The episode entitled "Nomads of the Siberian Tundra" introduces us to the Nenets, a tribe of reindeer herders who roam the wintry arctic landscapes of northern Russia.

The Nenets are a people of extraordinary resilience and fortitude who have lived on the tundra for over a thousand years. They live a tough and self-sufficient life, constantly moving to new pastures and battling against the brutal Siberian winters. Living in small and tightly-knit family groups, they are a fiercely independent people, proud of their traditions and their ability to survive in one of the harshest climates on earth.

As the episode begins, we meet Sergei, a young Nenets boy who is being initiated into the way of life of his people. He is learning how to herd reindeer, how to build shelters from ice and snow, and how to move with the rhythm of the tundra. We follow him as he embarks on his first solo herding mission, as he treks across the barren landscape following his herd of reindeer.

We also meet other members of the Nenets tribe, including the elders and the women who are responsible for much of the daily life of the community. We see how they make food, clothes, and tents from the resources of the tundra and how they use their skills and knowledge to survive in this inhospitable environment.

However, life on the tundra is changing, and the Nenets are facing many challenges to their traditional way of life. Climate change is causing the thawing of permafrost, which is altering the landscape of the tundra and making it harder for the Nenets to herd their reindeer. Oil exploration and drilling are also encroaching on their lands, threatening their way of life and the delicate ecosystem of the tundra.

The episode explores the tension between tradition and modernity and how the Nenets are grappling with the changes that are rapidly reshaping their world. We see how they are adapting to new technologies and new economic realities, whilst also trying to hold onto their unique culture and traditions.

Overall, "Nomads of the Siberian Tundra" is a fascinating and powerful exploration of one of the world's most remote and isolated peoples. It is a testament to their resilience and their ability to adapt to a changing world, whilst also reminding us of the importance of preserving the diversity of human cultures and the fragile beauty of our planet.