THE SAMI - INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE ARCTIC
The Sami are an indigenous people resident in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Estimates show that there are about 50-100 000 Sami living in these countries, and that slightly more than half of them are resident in Norway. 

The Sami have lived in Norwegian Lapland since the time before Christ. Karasjok is home to the Sami parliament, elected by the people, and working to represent the Sami population, to strengthen the Sami political standing and promote Sami interests in Norway.

The Sami culture is flourishing, with a reborn interest in the Sami language, knitwear, music and handicrafts (duodji). There are several Sami festivals in Norwegian Lapland, particularly during Easter which is the most important time for the Sami. It is very popular to arrange weddings and christenings at Easter, and these are huge celebrations. It is not uncommon to invite over 1000 guests to a wedding, and they all take part in the ceremony and enjoy the traditional meal of bidos, made from reindeer meat and vegetables! The Easter festivals are a great opportunity to experience Sami culture, with the World Championships in reindeer racing and the Sami Grand Prix.

The Sami people have one Sami flag, no matter where they live. The flag is red, blue, yellow and green and has a circle symbolising the sun (red) and the moon (blue).

REINDEER
There are close to 100,000 reindeer in Norwegian Lapland, and you are almost guaranteed to meet one or more during your holiday here! During the summer, the reindeer graze out by the coast, then move inland mountain plains during the winter. The Sami move the reindeer to the coast in April/May, and back inland before the snow comes in September/October. Reindeer meat is one of the healthiest meats you can eat, and is served at most restaurants in Norwegian Lapland.

A SHORT COURSE IN SAMI:
Hello: Buorre beaivi
My name is..: Mu namma lea ...
How much does it cost?: Man ollu máksá?
Reindeer: Boazu (single), Bohccot, (plural)
I love you: Mun ráhkistan du
Where are the Northern Lights?: Gos lea Guovssahas?
Thank you!: Giitu!

To learn more about the Sami people, go to:
www.samediggi.no and
www.samitour.no