The whole weekend is dedicated to Sámi collections and duódji, which can only be inadequately translated as “Sámi arts and crafts”. Representatives of Sámi museums and duódjárat will report on their work. They will discuss the importance of museum collections and the repatriation of objects in Sápmi, where nation states still disregard Sámi land rights and mining companies or wind turbines threaten Sámi ways of life.

2 p.m.: Elisabeth Pirak-Kuoljok, Director Ájtte Museum, Sweden
Ájtte, the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum is located in Jokkmokk, just north of the Arctic Circle. The exhibitions tell the story of Sápmi and its inhabitants, and focus in particular on life and survival in a harsh landscape of moors, forests and fells (high mountain regions above the tree line). Director Elisabeth Pirak-Kuoljok will talk about the special Jokkmokk market, a popular festival known throughout the region. 

Birgitta Fossum, Director Saemien Sijte, Norway - Unfortunately cancelled due to illness
Saemien Sijte is a South Sámi museum and cultural center in the wilderness community of Snåsa, in the heart of the South Sámi area. The main aim of the museum is to strengthen the South Sami identity, language and sense of community. 

4 p.m.: Veli-Pekka Lehtola, historian and curator of the permanent exhibition at the Sámi Museum Siida, Finland
The Sámi Museum Siida in Inari, Finland, serves as both a museum and a nature center, focusing on both the culture and history of the Sámi and the natural environment of northern Sápmi. Historian Veli-Pekka Lehtola created the concept for the new exhibition, which made the Siida Sámi Museum the winner of the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) 2024.

The events are held in English. 
No registration required. Included in museum admission. 

All events are part of the project “The Sámi Collection at the MEK”, funded by the German Lost Art Foundation.