The soul of Mongolia was born centuries ago from a geography which does not support traditional agriculture. As a consequence, Mongolia's nomadic culture evolved to the point that the country's music and art celebrate the qualities which define the Mongolian nomad; independence, ingenuity and a love of that very geography which mandates constant movement in search of fresh grasses for the animals. Most of Mongolia's 1.3-million nomads raise traditional livestock in the steppes in the center of the country, a vast nation pinned between Russia and China. But in Mongolia's far northern reaches, 207 people--44 families--raise domesticated reindeer. They're known as Tsachin, or Reindeer Herders, and their 3000-year-old culture is at a crossroads. With the fall of Communism came a withdrawal of state veterinary care,not to mention the monthly salary the state provided undeer the old system. Many within Mongolia's urbanized elite denigrate the Tsachin, and say that they and the livestock nomads must settle if the country is to modernize. In this piece,aired on "Day to Day" on Nov.26,2004, we meet a Mongolian elder who is working with veterinarians to improve the health of his ever-diminishing herd. Extremely proud of his culture, the herder and the characters we meet are aware some Mongolians want them to settle, but the herder says, "That would be the end of who we are as a people."

The soul of Mongolia was born centuries ago from a geography which does not support traditional agriculture. As a consequence, Mongolia's nomadic culture evolved to the point that the country's music and art celebrate the qualities which define the Mongolian nomad; independence, ingenuity and a love of that very geography which mandates constant movement in search of fresh grasses for the animals. Most of Mongolia's 1.3-million nomads raise traditional livestock in the steppes in the center of the country, a vast nation pinned between Russia and China. But in Mongolia's far northern reaches, 207 people--44 families--raise domesticated reindeer. They're known as Tsachin, or Reindeer Herders, and their 3000-year-old culture is at a crossroads. With the fall of Communism came a withdrawal of state veterinary care,not to mention the monthly salary the state provided undeer the old system. Many within Mongolia's urbanized elite denigrate the Tsachin, and say that they and the livestock nomads must settle if the country is to modernize. In this piece,aired on "Day to Day" on Nov.26,2004, we meet a Mongolian elder who is working with veterinarians to improve the health of his ever-diminishing herd. Extremely proud of his culture, the herder and the characters we meet are aware some Mongolians want them to settle, but the herder says, "That would be the end of who we are as a people."