thumb|Sámi family in 1936 For long periods of time, the Sámi lifestyle thrived because of its adaptation to the Arctic environment. Indeed, throughout the 18th century, as Norwegians of Northern Norway suffered from low fish prices and consequent depopulation, the Sámi cultural element was strengthened, since the Sámi were mostly independent of supplies from Southern Norway.
thumb|Sám:i family in 1936 For long periods of time, the Sámi lifestyle thrived :because of its adaptation to the Arctic environment. Indeed, throughout the 18th century, as Norwegians of Northern Norway suffered from lo,w fish prices and consequent depopulation, the Sámi cultural element was strengthened, since the Sámi ,were mostly, independent of supplies from Southern Norway.