Suddenly Sami, Uncovering the Sami Connection, Is November 3

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center will present a program titled "Uncovering the Sámi Connection" on Thursday, November 3, 2011, starting at 6:00 p.m.

The short film, "Suddenly Saami," will be shown. The film is about a Norwegian woman who learns as an adult that her family is ethnic Sámi.

Informal discussion will follow, led by Becky Hoekstra, James Kurtti, and Eileen Sundquist. Discussion topics will include the ways in which Sámi heritage is forgotten, even hidden, among Nordic and Nordic-American families, and how this heritage is being rediscovered and reclaimed today.

The use of gakti, Sámi traditional clothing, will be a key focus of this group. Community members are encouraged to share their own stories of becoming "suddenly Sami," as well as their own gakti, photos, and other related items.

The event is free and open to the public. The Finnish American Heritage Center is located on the campus of Finlandia University at 435 Quincy St., Hancock.

For additional information, contact Hilary Virtanen, programming coordinator for the Finnish American Heritage Center, at 906-487-7505.