Sámi Siida Museum | Kiruna

The Sámi Siida Museum is a significant cultural institution dedicated to the history, culture, and traditions of the Sámi people, the indigenous people of the northern parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia's Kola Peninsula. Located in Inari, Finland, the museum serves as a key place for learning about the Sámi way of life, their history, and their ongoing connection to the Arctic landscapes of the region.

Here’s a detailed overview of the Sámi Siida Museum:

1. History and Background

• Founding: The Sámi Siida Museum was founded in 1959 with the purpose of preserving and promoting the history, culture, and art of the Sámi people. It started as a small local museum, but over time, it expanded its scope to include both traditional and contemporary aspects of Sámi life.
• Name and Significance: The word "Siida" refers to a traditional Sámi settlement or community, reflecting the museum’s role as a cultural center that brings together the Sámi people's past and present. The museum is part of the Sámi Museum and Cultural Centre in Inari, a major hub for Sámi culture and heritage.

2. Exhibitions and Collections

Permanent Exhibitions: The Sámi Siida Museum has a range of exhibitions that explore various facets of Sámi culture, including:

• Traditional Sámi Life: The museum exhibits displays on the traditional Sámi way of life, including reindeer herding, fishing, hunting, and craftsmanship. These displays highlight the vital role that these activities have played in Sámi survival and culture.
• Sámi Art and Craftsmanship: The museum showcases Sámi handicrafts (known as duodji), which include beautifully crafted items such as clothing, jewelry, tools, and other objects made from natural materials like wood, antlers, and reindeer hide. These crafts are often intricately decorated with patterns that reflect Sámi cultural symbols.
• Reindeer Husbandry: A significant part of Sámi culture, reindeer herding is explored in the museum’s exhibitions. The museum displays tools, materials, and knowledge about this traditional practice, which is central to the Sámi people’s lifestyle and economy.
• Sámi Religion and Spirituality: The Sámi people have a unique spiritual tradition that is closely tied to the natural world. The museum’s exhibitions include elements that focus on the Sámi worldview, their connection to nature, and their shamanistic practices.

Contemporary Sámi Culture: Alongside the traditional exhibits, the museum also features exhibitions on contemporary Sámi life. These exhibitions examine the ongoing struggles for Sámi rights, language revitalization efforts, and the adaptation of Sámi culture in the modern world, addressing issues like land rights, cultural identity, and political activism.

Interactive Exhibits: The museum uses modern technology to create interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the culture and heritage of the Sámi people. This includes multimedia displays, audio guides, and virtual experiences that bring the Sámi history and lifestyle to life.

3. Architecture

• Design: The Sámi Siida Museum building itself reflects aspects of Sámi culture in its design. The architecture incorporates elements from Sámi tradition, blending modern functionality with indigenous aesthetics. The museum is designed to complement the surrounding natural environment, which is characterized by the Lapland wilderness and the Inari River.
• Outdoor Exhibits: The museum grounds feature an outdoor area that is home to traditional Sámi structures such as the lávvu (a Sámi tent) and other examples of Sámi buildings used for various purposes in the past. This outdoor space helps contextualize the indoor exhibits and connects the museum to the natural environment that has always been integral to Sámi life.

4. Sámi Language and Education

• Sámi Language: One of the museum’s main goals is to promote and preserve the Sámi language. The Sámi Siida Museum offers language resources and educational materials to help visitors learn about the various Sámi languages, which include Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi, and Skolt Sámi, among others.
• Educational Programs: The museum offers a range of educational programs, workshops, and activities for schools, families, and tourists. These programs aim to deepen understanding of Sámi culture and traditions. Topics covered include reindeer herding, Sámi storytelling, and the creation of traditional Sámi crafts.

5. Cultural and Political Role

• Sámi Rights and Politics: The Sámi Siida Museum is not only a space for cultural preservation but also a place that highlights ongoing political and social issues affecting the Sámi people. It addresses issues such as the protection of Sámi lands, the preservation of their traditional livelihoods, and the promotion of their cultural and political autonomy.
• Collaboration with Sámi Organizations: The museum works closely with Sámi organizations and communities to ensure that its exhibits and programs are accurate and respectful of Sámi traditions. This collaboration helps ensure that the museum remains an authentic representation of Sámi culture.

6. Sámi Cultural Center

• Sámi Museum and Cultural Centre: The Sámi Siida Museum is part of the broader Sámi Museum and Cultural Centre in Inari, which includes other facilities dedicated to Sámi heritage. The center houses not only the museum but also offices of the Sámi Parliament of Finland, making it a key center for Sámi political and cultural activities.
• Inari as a Cultural Hub: Inari is often considered the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sámi people in Finland. The Sámi Siida Museum, located in Inari, plays a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Sámi identity, particularly through its emphasis on education and cultural exchange.

7. Visitor Experience

• Interactive Learning: Visitors to the Sámi Siida Museum can experience a wide range of exhibits that immerse them in Sámi culture. With interactive displays, workshops, and guided tours, the museum offers a comprehensive educational experience for people of all ages.
• Connection to Nature: Situated in Finland's Lapland region, the museum allows visitors to connect to the Sámi people’s traditional homeland. This location offers a deeper understanding of how the natural environment shaped the lifestyle and survival of the Sámi people.
• Cultural Events: The museum regularly hosts cultural events such as music performances, festivals, and film screenings. These events often celebrate Sámi art, music, and language, offering visitors an opportunity to experience living Sámi culture.

8. Conclusion

The Sámi Siida Museum in Inari, Finland, is a vital institution for the preservation, promotion, and understanding of Sámi culture and heritage. It provides an in-depth look into the traditional practices, history, and challenges faced by the Sámi people, while also showcasing their dynamic and evolving culture. Through its comprehensive exhibits, educational programs, and focus on contemporary issues, the museum plays a critical role in educating the public about the Sámi and ensuring the continuity of their cultural legacy for future generations.