OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Our values are communicated to our customers both in the media and in the stories on the farm. They are the basis of all our operations, including our responsibility in tourism. In 2020 we committed to the principles of sustainable tourism and received a Green Activities certificate for our sustainable operations as a travel company. Check out our values ​​here. Kujala Reindeer Farm has undergone Visit Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland program and meets all the set criteria. We have been awarded
the Sustainable Travel Finland label for our valuable and long-term work for sustainable tourism.
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Nature and well-being
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Our family makes its living from reindeer and reindeer husbandry. As reindeer herders, we work on nature’s terms. We spend much of our time outdoors with our reindeer, living in harmony with and respecting nature from generation to generation. Nature is, after all, essential for the well-being of our beloved reindeer. We depend on nature during summer calf marking and autumn round-ups. Our love for our animals and respect for nature are strongly reflected in our stories, you will hear on your visit.
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In our family farm we promote biodiversity through our own actions, such as protecting our own lands and allowing free reindeer grazing, it being a huge part of natural welfare of reindeer. When grazing the forests, the reindeer clean the forest floor, letting sunlight through the lower branches into the ground, which promotes the diversity of vegetation on the forest floor. We are building insect hotels and birdhouses for other residents of the farm. The farm also has houses for bats and owl, whose inhabitants play a part in the natural ecosystem in the farm. During summer there is a beautiful meadow for insects and people to enjoy.
We offer our guests the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their visit by purchasing our “Gift to Nature” product, available in our farm shop or during online booking. All donations are collected and used to protect a valuable natural environment, which we are searching for.
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On the farm and in our programs we move by feet on marked routes enjoying the surrounding nature with all our senses. We avoid all unnecessary use of motor vehicles to maintain nature and peace in the farm. We actively clean our surroundings, both from our own activities and from litter left by others, and we guide both staff and guests in proper waste sorting and minimizing waste. We regularly collect litter along nearby roads. We have succeeded in waste sorting!
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Some of our programs happen also in protected areas, such as several national parks in our neighboring area. Which is why we have an agreement with Metsähallitus' nature services on the possible use of routes and rest areas, for example stopping by a fireplace on our wilderness tour with reindeer. We take care of our own well-being in the nature, where we leave no trace behind. We also instruct our guests to act responsibly in the nature. We share instructions to our guests and followers how to behave in the nature, while meeting reindeer and acting in problem situations. We oppose bear-watching tourism and do not recommend participating in bear watching or other activities harmful to nature. We can very well to explain why.
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We have created well-being experiences in nature and with reindeer. The presence of animals creates peace around us and helps us focus on the present moment. Animals, nature, exercise and art are combined on our farm in different experiences.
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When building, we minimize environmental impact and design structures according to the surrounding landscape. We prefer traditional barn construction in our warehouses. Landscaping respects the area’s original nature, and ”kuntta” is used to blend buildings into the environment.
We also plan to restore peatland fields that no longer produce food for our reindeer. Restoring swamps secures their natural carbon storage capacity, with climate benefits achieved within a few years.
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​Cooperation and locality
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We actively participate in regional tourism events and training to network with other local operators. We develop our business in cooperation with other companies and engage in joint projects to strengthen local collaboration.
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We prioritize purchasing services and products from local businesses. The handicrafts sold at our farm represent local craftsmanship using reindeer materials. Meals served at the farm are prepared from our own reindeer meat in the farm kitchen or by a local chef. Check out our partners here.
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Our meat products are sold under the Wild Food Kuusamo Lapland brand, and we are members of Slow Food Kuusamo, which promotes pure and delicious Finnish local food both locally and internationally. Our products are sold directly from the farm and in selected local shops and restaurants. Our art is also displayed in local accommodations, cafés and restaurants.
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Culture and tradition
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The farm’s long history connects us strongly to our place in Nissinvaara, Kuusamo, since 1860. We know the history of the area and share it with our guests through stories and old photographs displayed in our kota and café.
As reindeer herders, we naturally live according to local cultural traditions. We share truthful and authentic information about reindeer and reindeer husbandry. Knowledge of this ancient livelihood is passed down naturally from generation to generation.
​We also share knowledge with local schools, daycares, the city council and other community groups. Knowledge sharing is one of our key environmental goals.
We primarily draw upon local cultural heritage in our services and products, respecting authentic origins. We aim for moderate growth and continuous development. We invest in our strengths and strive for year-round operations, creating year-round employment.
Local identity is reflected in our materials and products. We value traditional craftsmanship and prefer high-quality Finnish natural materials. Our shop offers our own reindeer products, art, handicrafts, and other high-quality local crafts. We utilise the reindeer comprehensively, supporting economic sustainability.
Our clothes are handmade from reindeer leather in the skillful hands of Kati Juujärvi in ​​the village of Juotas. We have a beautiful selection of reindeer leather products in the farm shop.
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We support local cultural events annually and participate in events in Kuusamo, Ruka and Oulanka. We also support local sports. Juha is the former chairman of the “Kuusamon Pallo Karhut” football division, where our love for football and the successful “Pölkky” women's volleyball comes from, which we want to support every year. Jenni is a member of the local Artists' Association “Taiteilijaseura Koillinen” and participates in joint exhibitions with her reindeer art with the aim of supporting a positive image of the animal featured in our city’s coat of arms.
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We offer our farm visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with local products, authentic and high-quality materials, gifts, crafts and art to increase sales of local products. Reindeer meat buyers always receive recipes and cooking advice from the farm, and they usually come back year after year.
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As a reindeer farm tourism company, we offer high-quality services built on the region’s natural attractions. The reindeer is one of the most sought-after attractions in tourism. You will not leave our farm having only seen a reindeer. You will leave with our history, authentic reindeer herding heritage, stories, local delicacies, souvenirs and the world’s best reindeer meat.
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​Also our staff is familiar with the characteristics of the area, many of whom come from local reindeer families. Even employees from other backgrounds share our common values ​​as genuine natural lovers. Our staff is genuinely present with their own personality and their own stories, just like the rest of us. We are committed to following the principles of responsible and ethically sustainable Sámi tourism. In our programs, we only offer products that are a true reflection of our own heritage.
​If you only want to see a reindeer, please do not visit us. If you want to learn about reindeer, please visit us.
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Everybody is welcome here
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We welcome all guests with equality and respect, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, sexual orientation, mobility or sensory limitations.
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Meals can be arranged vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and according to other dietary needs. Guests with limited mobility can be safely transported by snowmobile or other vehicles when necessary. Our Reindeer Centre, including the café and shop, is accessible. We warmly welcome feedback on how we can better serve guests with mobility or sensory limitations.
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Please note that SkiBus line 3 passes by our farm.
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Our development goals
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​We have created a responsible food policy, increasing our use of organic and environmentally certified products. We seek broader commitment to sustainable tourism from our partners.
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We are looking for a conservation area in Kuusamo and aim to gradually collect funds to purchase forest land within our reindeer grazing areas for permanent protection.
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Our company has a Green Activities certificate which is a sustainable tourism certificate for small companies offering nature activities. We are committed to Visit Finland's national principles of sustainable tourism as an integral part of our operations on the farm. We will review our energy use and make a long-term plan to further reduce it.
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Join us in the responsible journey and take the pledge!
https://www.visitfinland.com/sustainable-finland-pledge/
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Thank you for taking the time to read through our thoughts on responsibility.
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Jenni and Juha Kujala
