Finland was one of the most brutal at oppressing the Sami
culture. After World War Two, Finland was determined to rebuild itself and
exceed its former glory. This meant the modernization of all areas of Finland,
including Lapland that was home to the Sami people. Policies were put in place
by the Finnish Government that forced the Sami to conform to Finnish culture,
language and way of life. The Sami culture was seen as primitive and barbaric.
This oppression of the Sami people was a hushed topic in
Finland until recently. Documentaries and Articles are beginning to be
published with information about the Sami and how they were forced out of their
way of life. These publications include
interviews with people who were forced to change their way of life, and
children who were bullied in school by the Fins. The Sami people felt
disrespected as a whole.
Today the Sami culture is endangered, but measures are being
taken to preserve it. Classes are offered to learn the language for anyone who
is interested. The Sami education movement began in the 1970’s and has grown
steadily ever since.
References:
Jesse Hirvela
2012 The ‘Finnification’ of The Sami People: A Silenced History. Electronic Document, http://crossingthebaltic.com/2012/09/21/the-finnification-of-the-sami-people-a-silenced-history/, accessed July 19, 2013.
Jennifer Foster
2000 Reindeer Herding in Norway. Electronic Document, http://www.utexas.edu/courses/sami/diehtu/siida/herding/herding-nr.htm, accessed July 19, 2013
Jesse Hirvela
2012 The ‘Finnification’ of The Sami People: A Silenced History. Electronic Document, http://crossingthebaltic.com/2012/09/21/the-finnification-of-the-sami-people-a-silenced-history/, accessed July 19, 2013.
Jennifer Foster
2000 Reindeer Herding in Norway. Electronic Document, http://www.utexas.edu/courses/sami/diehtu/siida/herding/herding-nr.htm, accessed July 19, 2013
This article describes how the Sami have been oppressed over the years. It seems that most indigenous cultures that are surrounded by modern communities often have the modernized culture and way of life of the pushed onto them. Cultures like the Sami that are in tuned with nature and the world around them may be called barbaric by industrialized societies, but the way they see it we are the barbaric ones. Many of us have more than we use and use more than we need. Our industries pollute the earth, air and water, and we are the ones stripping these people of their way of life to make room for our own. The effects of the Finnish's forced cultural assimilation has had permanent effects. Many Sami have lost touch with the way of life of their parents and ancestors and do not even speak the language. Luckily, efforts are being put forth to reacquaint the people with their background, but for the people who were forced to embrace Finnish culture and give up their own, things will never be the same.
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