Sámi languages and culture

Sámi languages and culture

Training in the Sámi language and culture plays a key role in preserving and promoting Sámi culture. Work done both within and outside the Sámi regions is crucial for the vitality of the language and the identity of the entire Sámi community. We offer diverse education through daytime contact studies lasting a full academic year, as well as courses of different lenght and skill level, that are conducted virtually. We also collaborate with the Giellagas Institute at the University of Oulu. We focus on education for Northern Sámi, Skolt Sámi, and Inari Sámi languages and cultures. The studies are held in Finnish and the Sámi language in question.

Northern Sámi is one of the Sámi languages spoken in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. It has its own written language and orthographic rules, but there is no standardized general pronunciation; instead, each speaker pronounces the language according to their own dialect.

The Northern Sámi academic year program mainly consists of Northern Sámi language studies, but it also includes Sámi culture courses and elective studies. In addition, language internships offer students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Sápmi and the Sámi-speaking work environment.

Sámi Education Institute also offers shorter basic and intermediate level Northern Sámi language courses conducted as remote studies. Classes are held in Northern Sámi and in Finnish. 

The traditional area where the Skolt Sámi language is spoken extends from Neiden (Njauddâm) in Norway to the Pechenga region and the Tuloma area in Russia. This region is now divided by the borders of three countries. Skolt Sámi has been best preserved in Finland, where the main Skolt Sámi settlements are in the villages of Sevettijärvi (Čeʹvetjäuʹrr), Nellim (Njeäʹllem), and Keväjärvi (Keväjäuʹrr).

Skolt Sámi belongs to the eastern Sámi languages and is a significant part of Skolt Sámi cultural and identity heritage. Its written form only began to be systematically developed in the 1970s, using the Suonikylä dialect as a basis. Skolt Sámi is one of the four official languages of Inari, and various efforts are currently being made to revitalize it.

The education calendar provides information on when we offer Skolt Sámi language and culture courses. The courses are primarily held in Finnish and in Skolt Sámi. 

Inari Sámi language and culture are an important part of the diversity in Sámi cultures in Finland. Inari Sámi belongs to the Sámi branch of Uralic languages. It is grammatically complex, with a rich system of inflections and several cases. Traditionally, Inari Sámi has been spoken in the area surrounding Lake Inari. The number of speakers has been steadily increasing due to long-term language revitalization efforts.
 
The Inari Sámi full-year program focuses primarily on language studies, with additional courses on Sámi culture and optional subjects. We also provide language and colture studies virtually. The education calendar outlines the schedule for Inari Sámi language and culture courses. These courses are taught in Finnish and Inari Sámi.

Search for educational programs in the calendar (in Finnish)

Contacs

Niemelä, Teaguidance counsellor

+358 40 723 7201

Show All Information
Student Affairs Office

+358 40 707 3793

Show All Information

Find out more

  • Sámi languages and culture

    Training in the Sámi language and culture plays a key role in preserving and promoting Sámi culture. Work done both within and outside the Sámi regions is crucial for the vitality of the language and the identity of the entire Sámi community. We offer diverse education through daytime contact studies lasting a full academic year, as well as courses of different lenght and skill level, that are conducted virtually. We also collaborate with the Giellagas Institute at the University of Oulu. We focus on education for Northern Sámi, Skolt Sámi, and Inari Sámi languages and cultures. The studies are held in Finnish and the Sámi language in question.

  • Nature and Environment

    A broad knowledge of nature and culture, combined with strong outdoor skills, provides a solid foundation for a career as a nature guide. The work involves responsible customer service, where the guide offers nature-based experiences and shares engaging information about nature, natural phenomena, and local culture. Graduates can work as employees or entrepreneurs in the fields of natural and environmental protection, handling tasks related to nature and nature-based services. They also gain a strong foundational knowledge in natural and environmental protection.

  • Business studies

    Are you interested in versatile customer service and sales tasks? Would you like to be an expert in marketing and visual design? Do you have work experience in the field, but lack a qualification? Do you feel the need to update or expand your skills? If you answered yes to any of the questions, studying a Vocational Qualification in Business at the Sámi Education Institute could be the right option for you!

  • Reindeer husbandry

    Reindeer husbandry is a versatile and important livelihood that combines economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions. It requires adaptation to natural conditions and societal changes while maintaining a deep connection to northern Indigenous cultures and traditions. In Sámi Education Intitute one can study Vocational qualification in Natural and Environmental Protection to become a reindeer herder and a Further vocational qualification in Reindeer Farming.

  • Travel and tourism

    Both compulsory students and adult applicants can apply for tourism training. As local education, we offer training aimed at Arctic nature tourism expertise, where guiding and camping skills are an important part of the studies. Trainings suitable for adults can include work life-oriented parts of the degree, which the applicant can choose according to their interests, for example in accommodation, catering or tourism sales services.

  • Restaurant & catering services

    Sámi Education Institute offers the opportunity to study Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services and become a cook. Those trained for the restaurant industry have plenty of job opportunities, especially in Northern hotels and restaurant businesses. Career development possibilities in the field are almost limitless.

  • Social and Health Care

    At our institution, you can complete a Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care. As a practical nurse, you can work with people of all ages in fields such as caregiving, rehabilitation, and education. In this work, interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with people are essential.

  • Media studies

    Media education gives a comprehensive understanding of the media field, including photography, image editing, video production, and much more. Learning in the media field is project-based, allowing participation in creating films and animations, organizing events, and engaging in other activities.

  • Sámi handicrafts

    Sámi handicraft, or duodji, is a central part of Sámi culture. Our duodji training program meets the needs of today by using and adapting traditional skills. During their studies, students enhance their creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving abilities. At the Sámi Education Institute, you can complete a Vocational qualification in Arts and Design with a competence area of Sámi Crafts, and graduate as an artisan. We specialize in soft materials such as fabric, leather and fur, hard materials as wood, reindeer antler and bone, as well as precious metals and jewelry production. One can also study Further and Specialist Vocational Qualifications in Sámi Handicrafts, where Sámi is the language of examination. Furthermore we arrange versatile handicraft courses around Sámi area. The studies are conducted in Finnish.