TBOB

Sámi

The Sámi people, also spelled Sami or Saami, are an indigenous Finno-Ugric people inhabiting the Arctic area of Sápmi, which today encompasses parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. They are known for their unique culture, language, and traditional livelihoods, such as reindeer herding.

History

The Sámi have lived in the northern regions of Scandinavia and Russia for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that their ancestors settled in these areas as early as 10,000 years ago. Historically, the Sámi were semi-nomadic, moving with their reindeer herds across vast territories.

During the Middle Ages, the Sámi came into contact with Norse, Finnish, and Russian cultures, which influenced their way of life. Over the centuries, they faced pressures from these neighboring cultures, including attempts at assimilation and conversion to Christianity.

Language

The Sámi languages are part of the Uralic language family, which also includes Finnish, Estonian, and Hungarian. There are several distinct Sámi languages, including Northern Sámi, Lule Sámi, and Southern Sámi, among others. Northern Sámi is the most widely spoken, with approximately 20,000 speakers.

Efforts to preserve and revitalize Sámi languages have been ongoing, with educational programs and media broadcasts in Sámi languages being established in recent decades.

Culture

The Sámi culture is rich and diverse, with traditions that include joik singing, handicrafts (duodji), and a deep connection to nature. Reindeer herding is a central aspect of Sámi culture and economy, with herders moving their animals between seasonal pastures.

Traditional Sámi clothing, known as gákti, is colorful and varies by region. It is often worn during cultural events and celebrations.

Religion

Historically, the Sámi practiced a form of animism, with a belief in spirits and a pantheon of gods related to nature. Shamanism played a significant role in their spiritual practices. With the spread of Christianity, many Sámi converted, but elements of their traditional beliefs have persisted.

Modern Issues

Today, the Sámi face challenges related to land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation. They have established Sámi parliaments in Norway, Sweden, and Finland to advocate for their rights and interests.

Environmental changes, such as climate change, also pose threats to traditional Sámi livelihoods, particularly reindeer herding.

Also see

• Reindeer herding
• Indigenous peoples of Europe
• Uralic languages
• Joik
• Sápmi