That evening two local government officials arrive from Beloyarskij, and by the light of the oil lamp in our tent, they and Vassilly work out the final details of the reindeer distribution. Most people will receive between five and ten animals, depending on the size of the family and how many reindeer they currently own. The following morning we awake under a leaden sky again, and soon snow begins to fall. Everyone gathers in the corral to hear Vassilly's directions. Now it is time to divide the herd among the three districts, the total number of reindeer for each area being made up of a combination of bulls, females and calves.
Young men go out to gather the herd, and soon the corral becomes a hive of sorting and counting.
The next morning the whole process begins again. The allocation includes reindeer for everyone in our group, and all seem pleased. Later in the afternoon, a group of herders arrives by helicopter with sleds, camping equipment and supplies to drive the reindeer destined for Surgut and Khanty-Mansiysk. These animals still have another 155 miles ahead of them. Whether this project will achieve its objective and improve the lives of native people remains to be seen.