Xu Haoyu reports that managing reindeer in temperatures as low as -50 C is an incredible feat that shows the dedication of the Aoluguya Ewenki people. Among them is Juele, a 39-year-old man who wears traditional animal-skin clothing as he tends to his reindeer herd in the vast forests and snow fields of the Greater Hinggan Mountains.
Juele’s job involves calling out to his herd using a long, high-pitched sound that echoes through the trees. As he yells “Ah-oh” into the distance, followed by the Ewenki word emege, which means “come back,” he shows his deep understanding of the behavior and needs of his animals. This type of communication and connection with the reindeer is an essential part of the Aoluguya Ewenki’s way of life.
Juele’s clothing, which is passed down from his ancestors, is made of animal skins and furs and is designed to withstand the harsh and freezing weather of the region. His attire is not only practical but also represents the unique cultural heritage of the Ewenki people. The Aoluguya Ewenki’s traditional lifestyle and close relationship with their animals are crucial elements of their identity, which they aim to preserve and pass down to future generations.
Despite the challenges that come with managing reindeer in such a harsh environment, Juele and the Aoluguya Ewenki people take great pride in their work. Their dedication to their way of life, their animals, and their cultural heritage is admirable and deserves recognition.
Juele, an Aoluguya Ewenki man, has dedicated his life to managing his reindeer herd in the harsh temperatures of -50C. His love for the animals is evident as he calls out to them with a long, high-pitched sound that echoes through the trees. Each call is followed by a moment of stillness as he waits for their response. If the reindeer hear him, they will run towards him and the bells around their necks will jingle.
Juele’s attire is also a reflection of his deep connection to his ancestors. He wears animal-skin clothing that has been passed down from generations. He is often found wandering through the forests and snow fields of the Greater Hinggan Mountains in search of his herd. His unwavering dedication to the animals is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions of his people.
Juele’s love for his reindeer herd extends beyond just caring for them. At a farm owned by the Jinhe Forestry Bureau, located over 80 kilometers away from Genhe city, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Juele herds over 60 reindeer using traditional methods of the Aoluguya Ewenki people. His passion for the animals is contagious, and he hopes to pass down these traditions to future generations.
The traditional method of herding reindeer has been passed down for centuries among the Aoluguya Ewenki people. Their way of life is intertwined with that of the reindeer, and their survival is dependent on each other. Juele’s commitment to maintaining these traditions is a testament to the resilience and dedication of his people.
Juele’s bond with his reindeer goes beyond mere animal husbandry. As a member of the Aoluguya Ewenki people, a group of ethnic minorities in northern China, Juele practices a centuries-old tradition of managing and living alongside reindeer. This involves allowing the reindeer to roam free in the forest and forage for food, and periodically checking on them to ensure their safety.
However, as the ecosystem in the region has improved over the years, Juele has had to be more vigilant. Predators such as bears, lynxes, and wolves have become bolder in the forest, and there have been instances where Juele’s herd has fallen prey to these predators. To prevent further losses, Juele has to trek through the thick snow every two to three days to check on the herd and ensure their safety.
Juele’s efforts are all the more important because the Aoluguya Ewenki people depend on reindeer for their livelihood. They use the animals for transportation, clothing, and as a source of food. At a farm belonging to the Jinhe Forestry Bureau, which is over 80 kilometers away from Genhe city in Inner Mongolia, Juele herds more than 60 reindeer in the traditional manner of the Aoluguya Ewenki people. He leaves them to forage and roam freely in the forest, but never strays too far from them.
The Aoluguya Ewenki people have lived in the Greater Hinggan Mountains for centuries, and the name “Ewenki” itself means “people who live in the big mountains and forests”. Aoluguya, on the other hand, is an Ewenki word that means “a place with lush poplar forests”. The Aoluguya Ewenki people have a deep connection with nature, and their traditional way of life revolves around their relationship with the forest and its inhabitants.
Juele’s commitment to the well-being of his reindeer is a testament to the Aoluguya Ewenki people’s devotion to their traditional way of life. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, Juele and his fellow Ewenki people will have to adapt and find new ways to manage their herds. But for now, Juele will continue to call out to his reindeer and wait for their response, knowing that his efforts are vital to the survival of his herd and his community.
The Aoluguya Ewenki tribe is the last remaining reindeer tribe in China and is the only ethnic group breeding these animals in the country. In 2003, they relocated from the mountains to the city of Genhe, but the traditional culture has been preserved thanks to China’s protection efforts.
Juele, who is now 39 years old, spent his childhood surrounded by the ringing bells of the reindeer in the mountain forests. After completing his education, he worked in the medical imaging department of a Beijing hospital, but the pull of his hometown remained strong. He says that he could always hear the sound of the reindeer bells ringing in his ears, even when he was sitting on his couch at home.
Despite the challenges posed by modern life, Juele has returned to his roots and now manages over 60 reindeer using traditional methods. He leaves them to forage and roam freely in the forest and checks on them every two to three days. Juele treks through the thick snow and ventures into the dense forest to locate his herd. However, with the ecology improving in recent years, dangerous animals such as bears, lynxes, and wolves have become more active. Consequently, Juele must keep a close eye on his herd and protect them from predators. He recalls the unfortunate incident when a lynx killed one of his reindeer.
The word “Ewenki” means “people who live in the big mountains and forests,” while “Aoluguya” is an Ewenki word that means “a place with lush poplar forests.” Juele is passionate about preserving the Ewenki tradition and culture. He believes that protecting the ecology and the traditional way of life is crucial to preserving the unique identity of the Aoluguya Ewenki people.
Juele’s dedication and commitment to his ancestral culture demonstrate the value and importance of preserving traditional knowledge and practices. His work has contributed to the continued existence of the Aoluguya Ewenki people and their way of life.
Juele’s decision to return to Aoluguya township to raise reindeer was a difficult one, but he knew he had to follow his heart. The task of rearing reindeer is monotonous, lonely, and sometimes challenging, but it is a tradition passed down through generations of Aoluguya Ewenki people.
The reindeer live in the dense forest of the Greater Hinggan Mountains, over 10 kilometers away from the nearest town. Juele lives in this remote area without mobile signal and battles intense solitude. The weather here can be unbearable, as Aoluguya is located in Genhe, known as “the cold pole of China”, where temperatures in winter can drop below -50 C. For most people, being exposed to this temperature for a few minutes would be dangerous.
But Juele, like other Aoluguya Ewenki people, walks several kilometers through knee-deep snow to find his herd every day. He leaves the reindeer to forage and roam freely in the forest and treks through the thick snow every two to three days to check on them. Juele must be vigilant, as fierce animals such as bears, lynxes, and wolves have become bolder, and the reindeer could encounter predators.
Juele’s childhood was filled with the sound of ringing reindeer bells, and even while he was working in Beijing, he could hear them ringing in his ears. After graduating, he worked in the medical imaging department of a hospital, but he could not ignore the call of his hometown. In 2015, Juele finally decided to return to Aoluguya township and take over the task of raising reindeer from his aging mother.
From December 23 to January 1, Juele spent over eight hours every day searching the snow-covered forest before finding his reindeer. This was the best New Year’s gift he had ever received, and it suggested to him that 2023 was going to be a wonderful year. The Aoluguya Ewenki people are the last reindeer tribe and the only reindeer breeding ethnic group in China. In 2003, they moved from the mountains to the city of Genhe, but thanks to the country’s protection efforts, their traditional culture is still being passed down.
The government’s efforts to improve the lives of the Aoluguya Ewenki people have had a significant impact on their way of life. Free housing has been provided to residents who have moved from the mountains to Genhe, and caravans with good insulation have been provided at the reindeer habitat in the mountains. These caravans look like small houses on wheels that can be towed by a vehicle, making it easier for Aoluguya Ewenki people to relocate their reindeer. Additionally, the government is trying to develop tourism in the area to increase local income.
Juele claims that he normally earns more than 100,000 yuan ($14,739) a year from reindeer breeding, selling antlers, and serving tourists, and has no problem supporting his family. However, his income in the last three years experienced a significant decrease due to the pandemic, with antler sales down and tourism taking an even bigger hit. Despite this setback, Juele remains optimistic and is looking forward to the coming summer when a new batch of antlers will have turned mature and tourism in Genhe will flourish once again.
Tourism is essential to the Aoluguya Ewenki people’s livelihoods. During the pandemic, the absence of tourists has been particularly difficult for them, as they rely on tourism for a significant portion of their income. Juele hopes that tourism will return to Genhe and that he can continue to share the culture and traditions of the Aoluguya Ewenki people with visitors from all over the world.
Juele’s dedication to preserving his people’s traditions is evident in his work. His love for the reindeer and the forests in which they live has kept him going even during the most challenging times. He believes that the reindeer and the forests are part of his identity, and he is proud to be a member of the Aoluguya Ewenki tribe.
As the pandemic begins to subside and tourism starts to return, Juele’s hope for the future is high. He believes that 2023 will be a year of renewed opportunity for the Aoluguya Ewenki people, and he looks forward to continuing his work as a reindeer herder and cultural ambassador. The Aoluguya Ewenki people may be the last reindeer tribe and the only reindeer breeding ethnic group in China, but they are a resilient people, and with the support of the government and the tourism industry, they will continue to thrive for many years to come.
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