Documentation
Nomads help preserve the planet with their low-impact lifestyle, which uses few of the earth’s resources. With their strong connection to and respect for the earth, their lives can teach us the art of sustainability.
In the past 50 years, though, nomads in Mongolia have decreased from nearly 100% of its population to 38% today. There are many forces causing this—health and education opportunities not equal to those in the city, a harsh lifestyle, lack of infrastructure, and climate change, as well as globalization. At this rate, there could be very few nomads in Mongolia’s future.
As fewer nomads continue the herder lifestyle, it is essential that the ways and heart songs be saved for future generations. Our team documents the lives of the nomads on video, with still photographs and with printed stories.
Videos on DVD
Steppe Herbs, Mare’s Milk and Jelly Jars: A Journey to Mongolian Medicine,
19 minutes 1996. $20+$5 S+H
Before comprehensive health care was a widely discussed topic, Dr. B. Boldsaikhan taught Traditional Mongolian Medicine to two Americans. The movie covers assessment, diagnosis, and treatment methods of this comprehensive system of health care.
Gobi Women’s Song, 73 minutes
2006 $25+$5 S+H
Set against the background of barren expanses, Gobi Women's Song immerses the viewer in a different world. It is a world in a transitional moment, one that has occurred in all cultures, which decides the future lives, environment and lifestyle of its people. Five 21st century nomadic women share their lives. They hum with the song of the soul passed down from their grandmothers and at the same time deal with the pressing issues of today’s world. Their colorful and harsh life is about connection—with the environment, community, family, and ultimately, with us.
Gobi Women’s Song Update
9 minutes, 2009 (soon available)
Taiga Heart Song, 7 minutes, 2007
In the northermost region of Mongolia, the remoteness of the Dukha reindeer herders' settlements requires a three-day car ride and an eight-hour horse ride to deliver health care. Taiga Heart Song shows the journey that the Nomadicare team makes each year.
Shaman Video In Process
Since our first health assessment of Dukha reindeer herders, the Nomadicare team has documented reindeer herders’ lives and recorded interviews and ceremonies of the shamans who live in the taiga (boggy forest). Now, many years and much footage later, it is time to access the funds to edit the shots into a documentary film. Would you like to be an Executive Producer of this film?
Stories
See stories on the web, under Contact.