Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Drawn since childhood to northern climes and their culture, Lavrillier spends much of the year in Siberia among the Evenk. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Lavrillier introduces the pupils to computer basics, English and French, a highly unusual curriculum for Siberian nomads. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Pupils at the nomadic school receive an education that brings together the standard Russian curriculum and traditional Evenk culture. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
In spring, the teachers at the nomadic school, Maria Maksimova (left) and Alexander Gabyshev (standing), give open-air classes in the Siberian taiga. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
The nomadic school set up by Alexandra Lavrillier is adapted to the Evenk seasonal calendar and ensures that the younger generation is not cut off from traditional life. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Many aspects of Evenk culture, such as traditional dance and ritual activities, are presented at the nomadic school. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Lavrillier's nomadic school allows young Evenk pupils to stay in the taiga and maintain ties with their land and community. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Lavrillier nomadic school allows young Evenk pupils to stay in the taiga and maintain ties with their land and community. Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Learning traditional skills, such as catching a reindeer by its antlers using a lasso, is an essential part of the education given at the nomadic school. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006
Nomadic Evenk families migrate with their herds across the taiga. Evenk culture is built around reindeer, whose strength and gentleness are considered models for Evenk behaviour. Southern Yakutia, Russia, 2006
The Siberian taiga is covered by dense, coniferous forests and crisscrossed by countless rivers. In winter, temperatures can fall to -50°C. Southern Yakutia, Siberia, Russia, 2006
