Exploring Sámi Language and Culture
Showcase Five: Exploring culture through language
The Calotte Academy and Trent University teamed up to create an interactive workshop where undergraduate and graduate students of the circumpolar North could engage with Sámi cultural experts on issues of language, music and culture, education and film.
Laila Aleksandersen, University of Lapland
PhD student Laila Aleksandersen, University of Lapland, speaks to students about Sámi cultural activities- especially ‘yoiking’. Yoiking is a form of music and storytelling, and it a traditional activity among Sámi throughout the Nordic region. Laila met with first and second-year Circumpolar Studies students and graduate students at the Calotte Academy in June 2023 to share her stories and expertise.
Liisa Holmberg International Sámi Film Institute
Liisa Holmberg, Director of the Sámi International Film Institute, met with first and second-year Circumpolar Studies students and graduate students at the Calotte Academy in June 2023 to talk about Sámi film and culture. She shares her knowledge about Sámi film and culture, and how the Sámi film industry is rapidly growing and shaping our understanding of Sámi identity.
Line Reichelt Føreland. Universitetet Agder | UIA · Department of Nordic and Media Studies
Line Reichelt Føreland discusses the development of specific types of gaming as a way of enriching Sámi culture and identity within the education system in June 2024 at the Calotte Academy. First and second-year undergraduate Circumpolar Studies students participated online, while graduate students associated with the Calotte Academy also attended in-person.
Pigga Keskitalo University of Lapland, Faculty of Education
University of Lapland professor Pigga Keskitalo explained to students the importance of language to Sámi cultural identity and resilience, and spoke about some of the ways in which language and culture are central to research in education and Sámi students. She spoke to first and second-year undergraduate Circumpolar Studies students, who participated online, and graduate students associated with the Calotte Academy who attended in-person.