Symposium on the Sámi language, literature, and culture

Come and listen to, among others, University Lecturer Krister Stoor (Umeå University) talk about the former yoikers and storytellers of Jokimukka, and Emeritus Professor Nils Øivind Helander explain how organized language work has influenced and continues to influence the language situation. Other keynote speakers include Professor Ante Aikio (University of Oulu) and Associate Professor Lill-Tove Fredriksen (UiT The Arctic University of Norway).

"Research and teaching on Sámi culture is the second main subject at the Giellagas Institute, which is why we wanted to include it in this symposium," says Sigga-Marja Magga, director of the Giellagas Institute.

"It is important for Sámi Giellagáldu to highlight all the Sámi languages spoken in the Nordic countries and the issues and challenges related to language planning and standardization. Organizing the symposium is part of Norway's national action plan for the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022–2032), says Mika Saijets, director of Sámi Giellagáldu.

In addition to scientific content, Sámi culture will be strongly represented at the symposium:

• 11.11. a Sámi tapas evening will be held in collaboration with Slow Food Sápmi.
• 12.11., the International Sámi Film Institute will screen Sámi films, and Yungmiqu, Jezebro, and Amoc will entertain guests at a Sámi rap evening
• 13.11. after the conference dinner, Ulla Pirttijärvi & Ulda and DJ Article 3 will perform at 45 Special

Sámi symposia have been held since 1993, and their goal from the outset has been to bring together researchers of Sámi languages and literature, doctoral students, and undergraduate students from different parts of the world and different language groups. The symposium is organized in cooperation with Sámi Giellagáldu, the Giellagas Institute at the University of Oulu, the Oulu 2026 Capital of Culture project, and Gieku ry.

The registration deadline for the symposium is October 27, 2025. Further information and the symposium program will be published on the Sámi Giellagáldu website at https://tinyurl.com/sgk2025. Link to registration: https://ssl.eventilla.com/samiggk2025

Further information:

Sigga-Marja Magga, Leader of the Giellagas Institute, +358 50 568 5326

Vaino Rensberg, Communications Officer, Sámi Giellagáldu, +47 922 78 185

Mika Saijets, Director, Sámi Giellagáldu, +47 78 47 41 48