Sámi Interest Group
Karen Sorensen, Poul Jouksu, and several others have started a Sámi interest group at our Community Centre for social, cultural, and educational purposes. Please join us. Membership is not limited to those of Sámi heritage. Anyone may come who has an interest in Sámi history, decorative arts, or current Sámi political and environmental issues. There is lots we can learn and much fun to have if we are together.
People of Sámi heritage traditionally fished, hunted, and herded reindeer in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. According to Dr. Zita McRobbie (talking at Leif Erikson Day, 2017), DNA studies suggest the Sámi were already together as a people before the last Ice Age, far earlier than other Scandinavians became distinct. Sámi people are famous for surviving for millennia in a harsh environment, for peaceful co-existence among subgroups, and for the beauty and deep meaning in their decorative arts. It is a culture well worth our interest and attention.
Indigenous Canadians, especially those in our far North have faced prejudice, environmental issues, and the loss of their traditional lands and way of life. It has been similar for the Sámi. Both peoples continue to search for the best place for themselves in modern culture and economy while keeping the traditions of their heritage. We will talk about this, too, and see how we can work together.
Let us know if you are interested to join our Sámi group around our Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby, BC.
Contact Carolyn Thauberger 778 228-2334 or cthauber12@gmail.com
