Visiting Scholar To Discuss Sami-Church Relations

A leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF) will offer insights into the relations between the Church and Finland’s indigenous people — the Sami — at a special presentation on Tuesday, February 6 at the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC).

The Rev. Bror Träskbacka, the coordinator for tourism ministry for the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church will discuss “The Sami: The Church’s Evolving Relationship with Finland’s Indigenous People” at 2 p.m. in the FAHC’s Martha Wiljanen Community Hall.

This presentation is scheduled for February 6 to coincide with the international Sami Day observation in Finland, the Nordic countries and around the world. On that day, the Finnish American Heritage Center flies the Sami flag, in honor of the many Copper Country residents who are of Sami ancestry. The Sami culture is also well represented at area Finnish events, including the 2018 Heikinpäivä festival. People with Sami clothing are encouraged to wear them to the event.

Rev. Träskbacka is on a sabbatical from his work with the Church and is spending the next several weeks in Hancock, using the resources of the Finnish American Historical Archive at Finlandia University to further his research. He is particularly interested in the Swedish-Finn communities of the region, including Dollar Bay.
This special event is the only scheduled public presentation for Träskbacka during his time in Hancock. A coffee social will follow the program.

For more information about this presentation, call Finnish American Heritage Center Director (and Sami descendant) Jim Kurtti at (906) 487-7302.

Story originally posted at finlandia.edu/news.