Celebration planned for 75 years of Skolt Sámi settlement in Nellimi, Finland

In the small village of Nellimi, located on the eastern edge of Inari, activity abounds during an August weekend. The village hotel grounds are being transformed to host festive markets, inviting the entire community of Sámi people to gather. This event coincides with the celebration of the 75-year history of the Skolt Sámi settlement. After World War II, Skolt Sámi who returned north remained in limbo for up to five years, waiting to determine where they could start rebuilding their lives, as their former home was left behind in what became the Soviet Union.

Heidi Hänninen, a resident of Nellimi, has been involved in planning the celebrations since spring. “This is a significant event for us. As a Skolt Sámi, it’s important that we can celebrate together as a people,” she expressed.

The war profoundly impacted the identity and existence of the Skolt Sámi. For decades, this small community fought to revive their language, which is now spoken by only about 400 people in Finland and remains critically endangered despite revitalization efforts. Nonetheless, the young Skolt generation has been able to preserve their culture, and they refuse to forget their history, celebrating the settlement every five years.

Celebrations are taking place across the small Skolt villages of Inari, culminating on Sunday in Hänninen’s hometown with markets and the important pilgrimage to the shrine of Trifon of Petsamo, where community members can reconnect.

This year marks 79 years since the end of World War II. The experiences of the older Skolt population left deep scars that remain relevant today, and the collective memory from this era continues to shape their culture and language. The upcoming celebrations, set for August 23-25, 2024, in various Skolt villages and Norway’s Neiden, provide an essential opportunity for community connection and cultural expression.