SAMI MARKET HERE WE COME

With a temperature of -8 C (17F) and lots of wind from the harbor, we're bundling up the family's smallest member in layers of wool in the stroller to visit the market square at the end of our town's Sami week. I'm hoping to buy savory foods and perhaps some duodji (handcrafted objects). The week features the national championship in lasso throwing, reindeer races, music, lectures and much more, leading up to the Sami national day on the 6th of February.



I feel such appreciation for the Sami who skilfully thrive in the arctic conditions and, in more recent history, bravely survived colonialistic endevours of the Scandinavian peoples and governments. In some ways I wish there wasn't a Sami week, because it means the other 51 weeks of the year are not, and that they are regarded as an exception in the region. But every effort to enforce respectful coexistence, is reason to celebrate this weekend!
PORTRAITS OF SAMI IN TROMS: NORD TROMS MUSEUM 1928 , NILS THOMASSON 1901