Sami Cultural Center of North America

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.

The National Nordic Museum is hosting their annual Sámi Film Festival on February 6 & 7. There is also a virtual film festival February 6 - 13. More information can be found at

2026 Sami Film Festival The annual Sámi Film Festival celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of the Sámi, an Indigenous people of the northernmost parts of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia.

Ollu Giitu to Jay Gabler for this lovely article about all the changes and transitions happening in our little community.

Sámi Cultural Center moves to UMD after loss of Lakeside home As the Sámi Cultural Center of North America becomes a UMD entity, the original nonprofit will continue with a new moniker. Leaders hope increased reach and collaboration will result.

An opportunity from the Vesterheim!
https://www.woodspiritschool.com/registration/p/bb-ornament-2025

Mark your calendars! This event will be held via Zoom on November 12! You can watch from your home or office, or there are watch parties set-up as well at the Two Harbors Public Library, Silver Bay Public Library and the University of Minnesota Duluth Planetarium!
https://calendar.d.umn.edu/event/101755-ethical-and-culturally-responsive-listening-case

Only 10 days until FinnFest at the DECC in Duluth, MN!
August 1-3, 2025

Join us for presentations and exhibits!!
* Celebrating 10 Years at the Sami Cultural Center of North America - Edmund Fitzgerald Hall - an exhibit on all three days
* Sámi Joik and Original Music Performance with Nathan Muus and Robert Jones, Friday 12:00 on the Tori Stage
* Sámi Joik and Original Music Performance with Nathan Muus and Briand Morrison, Saturday, 11:00 on the Tori Stage
* Muuttoliike! A TINY ART EXHIBITION, Edmund Fitzgerald Hall - an exhibit on all three days
* The Gift of Cultural Exchange: The Rudy Johnson Memorial Sámi Collection a presentation by Chelsey Miller
* Putting Up the Lavvu: A North American Sami Tale with Chelsey Miller, Laurel Sanders, Marlene Wisuri, 1:00 p.m. on Sunday

An exciting time for the Sami Cultural Center! See you there!!