The Sámi People

They were forced to pay taxes, their religious practices were banned, and they had to speak Swedish in schools instead of their own language. Many Sámi children were sent to special boarding schools away from their families. In fact, because of these assimilation policies in the Nordic countries, almost no one born before 1975 learned to read and write their own Sámi language.

 

Sámi Culture Today

Today, Umeå and northern Sweden celebrate Sámi heritage. The Sámi have their own parliament (Sametinget), their own flag and their own national day on February 6th. Umeå University displays several murals and public art installations which showcase Sámi culture.

 

Sámi Influence on Swedish Culture

The Sámi have influenced northern Swedish culture in many ways:

• Food: Traditional dishes like suovas (smoked reindeer meat) and gáhkku (soft flatbreads spiced with anise or fennel seeds and a little dark syrup) are enjoyed by many people in northern Sweden.

• Language: Many place names in northern Sweden come from Sámi words, including the names of many mountains and rivers around Umeå.

• Crafts: Sámi handicrafts (duodji) like carved wooden cups, woven bands and silver jewelry are respected art forms.

• Environment: The Sámi understanding of nature, weather and relationships with animals like reindeer has taught Swedes how to live in harmony with the Arctic environment.

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