Alexandra Lavrillier - 2006 Laureate

Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders. Drawn since childhood to northern climes and their culture, Lavrillier spends much of the year in Siberia among the Evenk. Lavrillier introduces the pupils to computer basics, English and French, a highly unusual curriculum for Siberian nomads. Pupils at the nomadic school receive an education that brings together the standard Russian curriculum and traditional Evenk culture. In spring, the teachers at the nomadic school, Maria Maksimova (left) and Alexander Gabyshev (standing), give open-air classes in the Siberian taiga. 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. Many aspects of Evenk culture, such as traditional dance and ritual activities, are presented at the nomadic school. Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders. 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.
Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders.

Drawn since childhood to northern climes and their culture, Lavrillier spends much of the year in Siberia among the Evenk.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Drawn since childhood to northern climes and their culture, Lavrillier spends much of the year in Siberia among the Evenk.

Lavrillier introduces the pupils to computer basics, English and French, a highly unusual curriculum for Siberian nomads.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Lavrillier introduces the pupils to computer basics, English and French, a highly unusual curriculum for Siberian nomads.

Pupils at the nomadic school receive an education that brings together the standard Russian curriculum and traditional Evenk culture.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Pupils at the nomadic school receive an education that brings together the standard Russian curriculum and traditional Evenk culture.

In spring, the teachers at the nomadic school, Maria Maksimova (left) and Alexander Gabyshev (standing), give open-air classes in the Siberian taiga.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, 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.

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.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, 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.

Many aspects of Evenk culture, such as traditional dance and ritual activities, are presented at the nomadic school.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Many aspects of Evenk culture, such as traditional dance and ritual activities, are presented at the nomadic school.

Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Usmun river camp, Russia, 2006
Since 1994, French ethnologist Alexandra Lavrillier has been studying the culture of the Evenk, nomadic Siberian reindeer herders.

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.

©Rolex Awards/Marc Latzel

Southern Yakutia, 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.