Young Sami eager to breathe new life into culture (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Young Sami eager to breathe new life into culture

Thursday, 15 April 2010 10:53
Finland

For Sami youths, language is the core of Sami identity and culture.

Reetta Poikela, 16, may not seem like a typical young Sami, but that is
exactly what she is: she lives in Rovaniemi, her mother tongue is Finnish,
and she considers herself a Sami.

“I’m learning Sami and attend celebrations in Lapland indigenous dress,” she
says, citing the most visible aspects of her culture. But Sami identity is
also a subjective matter.

“I’m proud of it.”

This week Poikela took part in an arts event for Sami youths organised in
her hometown, Rovaniemi. This year marked the first time that the annual
event was held outside of the traditional Sami region. One of the aims was
to encourage children and young people living in Rovaniemi to learn the Sami
language.

Access full article below:
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/lifestyle-and-entertainment/10639-young-sami-eager-to-breathe-new-life-into-culture-.html
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