Sami Love

The Sami flag

A few hours ago I returned home from a five day long trip to the lapland with my Sami Culture class. It was a ton of fun! The Sami are the indigenous people who live in the northern areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Northwest Russia. Before coming to Finland I had no idea who they were or that they even existed, but now after taking this course and going on this trip, I have a huge admiration for them! They are a pretty spectacular people!

Our route

Norway once more

We had quite a bit of distance to cover, but the bus ride wasn't that bad at all! 

Day 1: Monday was spent driving up the Finnish/Swedish border to Kautokeino (B) in Norway. There was so much snow and it was great!

Juhl's Silvergallery.
Rooms have been added on over many decades.
The building's design comes from the curve
shape snow makes between buildings.

Day 2: We spent the entire Tuesday in Kautokeino and I loved it! First  we went to Juhl's Silvergallery which had a ton of really neat Sami artifacts (both old and new). Then to the Sami University College. It's not very big, but it's really nice and really great that they have a place to study Sami subjects at in the Northern Sami language. Then we went to the National Sami Theatre which I would love to come back and see a play at some day! That night we went out for the most expensive pizza ever (but we didn't have to pay) and then back to the cabin to hang out :D

Members of the Sami Parliament

Day 3: Wednesday we made our way to Karasjok (C) and visited the NRK Sapmi radio station that does both radio and some tv programs in Sami language. Then we went to the Sami Parliament building. Everyone was wearing their Gakti and looked so legit! Then we got in the bus again to leave for Karigasniemi (D). Even though we were only in Norway for two days and Karigasniemi is right on the border, I was still so happy to be back in Finland. There's no place like home :)

Reindeer farm

Sacred Sami site.
So much water flows from
this that it never freezes!

Explaining all there is to know about reindeer

Day 4: Thursday was fantastic! First stop: a reindeer farm. There were only a couple of reindeer because the slaughtering had already happened, but that allowed our teacher to walk us through the corrals and pins. It felt like we were being herded to our deaths as well o.O Then we went on a short hike through a foot of snow to a fountain (river) that never freezes! Then back on the bus and headed to Inari (E) where we visited a reindeer farm! We got to feed reindeer, have tea in a koti while listening to yoiking, and practice roping. I had a blast!

The class, teacher, and assistant!
All very great people :D

Day 5: We made two more stops in Inari before heading back home. The first one was to the Siida Sami Museum and the other was to the Sami Cultural Centre Sajos. Both were very interesting and really informative! And even though it came all too soon, it was time to head back, so that's what we did. It's good to be back in Oulu, but I miss the snow, Sami, reindeer, and of course, people!

It was a very, very fun week! I learned so much about the Sami and really admire them! 

Traditional Sami symbols and meanings

My favorite Sami proverb!
BAHAHA!

Sami family. Aren't they cute???
Ok so maybe the boy looks a little scary... still!

This was a great trip!

Super fun, informative, entertaining, lots of experiences, snow, great people, and it was free! :D

So glad I was able to go! So sad it's already over!

Until next time,
-Hannah