Saami Circle North America

09/24/2026

Mark your calendars for the Finnposium on October 1 to discuss North American Sámi Identity. Hope to see you there!

09/09/2026

You can register now for this important virtual program.

Stories of the Sun ***and the Stars*** ~ Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 10am-12pm. See link on Google Meet https://mailchi.mp/1aba63347edb/register-for-stories-of-the-sun-and-the-stars-sept-12

08/26/2026

Join us in Hancock, Michigan, at the Finnish American Heritage Center for the opening of our exhibit on Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. featuring Erika Larsen's beautiful photos from Sápmi and portraits of families of the Alaskan Reindeer Project plus artifacts from the collection of Saami Circle North America. Hope to see you there!

08/10/2026

We are so pleased to share two of our exhibits at the Finlandia Art Gallery at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, MI, 8/27 - 9/23/2026. An opening reception will be held 7-8:30 EDT on Tuesday, August 27.
Featured are beautiful photographs by Erika Larsen and portraits of Sami Herders in Alaska. We hope to see many of you there!!

08/02/2026

It is with great sadness we have learned of the passing of Pearl Johnson in Anchorage, Alaska. Pearl was an important member of the board of the Sami Cultural Center of North America for many years and contributed so much to the understanding of the Alaskan reindeer story. She traveled with us and attended many North American Sami events and will be missed as a dear friend.

07/15/2026

We are wondering if anyone might be traveling from Duluth to Hancock, MI in the next couple of weeks and would have room to transport an art exhibit to the Finnish Heritage Center. The exhibit includes several boxes of the photographs of Erika Larsen. PM or email [email protected] if you could help us out. Giitu!

06/29/2026

The Sámi Cultural Center of North America at UMD has a new page! 🎉 We'd sure appreciate if you'd head over and give their page a like and follow them to stay up to date on the collection, programming, events, and more!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591131526777

06/27/2026

We were happy to participate in this great event with a version of our Sami Reindeer People of Alaska! Note the Sámi flags in some of the photos!

06/27/2026

Some interesting classes coming up. Check them out!

01/28/2026

Please join us for a Sámi Day Celebration!
February 6, 2026 12:00 pm (CST)
Zoom https://calendar.d.umn.edu/event/103198-sami-national-day-celebration

All are welcome!

About the Film
(38min) Directed by Kiersten Dunbar Chace | A beautiful documentary/love story that illuminates the life of Sami American artist Solveig Arneng Johnson, whose body of artwork captures her love of Norway, family and natural surroundings. Born in 1925 in the Arctic town of Kirkenes, Norway, Solveig reflects on life during the throes of World War II, her indigenous Sami identity, art studies, immigrating to America (Duluth, Minnesota) and the love of her life.