To what extent is the polarization of the Sámi people visible in Finland in connection with appropriation of their spiritual traditions and cultural heritage into tourism?:Sámi Cultural Heritage and Tourism in Finland

• Main Author: Joy, Francis
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: drums symbolism; figures; misappropriation; identity; cultural heritage; protection; /dk/atira/pure/person/fieldofscience2010/6/13/2; Visual arts and design; /dk/atira/pure/person/fieldofscience2010/5/20/4; Tourism research; Northern Finland; sami; Sámi
• Online Access: https://research.ulapland.fi/fi/publications/5739f950-7516-48b4-a6c4-5a83d24bd143; http://agon.fi/arkisto/numero/?issue=2021-2

Development of the tourist industry throughout northern Finland means there exists a widespread sale of fake souvenirs that are imitations of the values, beliefs and practices connected to Sami cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. These novelties have no legitimate connection to Sámi pre-Christian religion in relation to cosmology and practice of Noaidivuohta – Shamanism, which is what they falsely reflect. Thus, their production can be understood to reflect a widespread appropriation of Sámi cultural heritage, which has become an exploitative resource. This investigation aims to expand on how sacred symbolism, and cultural landscapes are appropriated into the tourist industry and what the consequences are for the Sámi in relation to such appropriation.