Sami Siida of North America
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The Sami Siida of North America (
Purpose
The North American Siida often performs educational shows, Sami community get-togethers, and related events over the course of the year, often with other Scandinavian events such as
The Siida also serves as a cultural ‘storehouse’ to disseminate and exchange knowledge between individuals about Sami culture and provide moral support for a cultural identity that is spread out over an entire continent. The Siida also acknowledges individuals who are considered ‘elders’ within the community because of their cultural knowledge, and who are sought after for this reason. The Siida also maintains an observer seat on the International Saami Council.[citation needed]
Siida structure
There are some differences between the Scandinavian Siidas and the North American Sami Siida. The Scandinavian Sami siida system covers a whole range of Sami culture and economic interests, such as pastoral rights for reindeer herding, geography, and varied economic agreements, and describes a legal definition of varying degrees within each of the Scandinavian countries. Within North America, these legal definitions of “siida” do not apply. Rather it is a group of individuals and families who have chosen to identify and show support for the Sami culture and the immigrant issues that are inherent to the North American Sami.
The Siida was started in February 1996 and the
Elected Council Chairs
- Anja Kitti-Walhelm, 1996–2000
- Cari Mayo, 2000–2005
- Marlene Wisuri, 2005–2011
- John Edward Xavier, 2012–2016
- Mervi Maarit Salo, 2016–present
See also
- Árran
- Báiki
- Sámi Americans
References
- ^ "Norwegian-American Bygdelagenes Fellesraad". Fellesraad. 15 December 2007. Archived from the original on 24 December 2007.
- ^ Ante Utsi, Johan (9 July 2012). "Største "Siiddastalla" noensinne". NRK (in Norwegian). Retrieved 18 October 2014.
- ^ "Lappmark Lag". Fellesraad. Archived from the original on 16 July 2007.