The Arctic Skills international competitions for young reindeer herders competing in five competencies have recently begun in Yakutia's Neryungri District. The contest is held between teams of young reindeer herders from Norway and the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the region's Ministry of Education and Science reports.

"The main goal of the Arctic Skills International Championship in Professional skills is to draw public attention, regionally, federally and internationally, to the issues involved in training personnel for work in the Arctic environment, including in the sphere of northern domestic reindeer husbandry," the press service reports. "There is a reason why the village of Iengra, in the Neryungri District, was chosen to host this event. It is home to the Evenks, peoples who live a traditional nomadic life and maintain their indigenous culture and language."

The teams will compete in five competencies, including weaving chaut (lasso, belt harness), fabricating harness elements from antler and bones using engraver, practical skills in capturing reindeer, dressing harnesses, skills in handling reindeer, and providing first aid.