The Sami in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia have had their own national day since 1993. It was decided the year before during the fifteenth conference of the Sami Council in Helsinki.
The fact that it took place on February 6 is due to the fact that it was the first time Northern and Southern Sami from Sweden and Norway gathered to discuss common problems.
- It is absolutely fantastic that we can celebrate this day and that it has been thirty years since this day came about.
It's special, says artist Marit Olesdatter Hætta.
Marit Olesdatter Hætta sang the national anthem and cheered.
Photo: Thomas Sundberg/SVT
Strange at first
It was different in the first years when the national day was celebrated.
Then Marit says that it felt strange to celebrate, but that she now celebrates the day with pride.
- It took a few years before I understood how much this means.
But I have always been a proud Sámi and have tried to convey our culture in my own way.
Only in recent years has Carina Pulpur embraced her Sami identity.
Photo: Thomas Sundberg/SVT
Returned to Sami
Even Carina Pulpur feels great joy on this day.
But neither did she celebrate the Sami National Day when it was instituted.
It is only now in recent years.
- I have to say, with sadness in my heart, that I did not reclaim my Sami origins at that time.
It is only in the last ten years that I have returned to Sami and have somehow found home.
In the clip: Join the celebration of Sami National Day in Örnsköldsvik, and hear Marit Olesdatter Hætta's joik.