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Abstract This section explores the life and legacy of Knud Leem (1697–1774), a Norwegian missionary and linguist who conducted extensive research on the Sámi language and reindeer herding culture in Finnmark during the 18th century. Leem was deeply influenced by both pietism and Enlightenment rationalism, which led him to produce pioneering linguistic and ethnographic documentation of the Sámi. His works, including a Sámi grammar, nomenclature on reindeer husbandry, and the comprehensive Description of the Lapps of Finmark , display a respectful, empirical engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems. Leem emphasized the sophistication of Sámi language and conceptual systems, especially those related to reindeer herding, siida governance, and ecological knowledge. His contributions remain foundational in understanding Sámi pastoralism and its resilience, with continued relevance for Indigenous land management and policy. The text also addresses the historical context of territorial policies, such as the 1751 Lapp Codicil . It draws parallels to present-day adaptation strategies rooted in the traditional knowledge of Indigenous reindeer herders.