The foundation of Sámi life lies in our cultural, creative, and artistic practices. Today, our culture and way of life are under threat from environmental exploitation, climate change, cultural appropriation, and the pressures of modern society. Traditional knowledge is no longer passed down as naturally between generations, and many practices are at risk of disappearing. Too many Sámi youth cannot see a livelihood in our culture, and even when they wish to learn, they are often unable to prioritize it.

Yet we are still here—determined to live a Sámi life and to pass it on to generations to come. Sámi culture carries deep knowledge of self-sufficiency and sustainable ways of living—wisdom that is increasingly vital in today’s world.

Sámi art and culture form the core of our identity, knowledge, and sense of belonging. They carry our language, memory, and connection to the land, while giving voice to Sámi visions of the future. Most businesses in Sápmi are rooted in culture, which means that supporting Sámi culture also sustains livelihoods and strengthens the resilience of our communities.

The Sámi cultural and art field is flourishing with resilience, reaching new audiences and gaining significant international recognition. Rooted in traditional knowledge, our art and culture offer the world a sense of closeness, belonging and connection to nature that many have lost.

Despite this recognition, cultural resources available to Sámi communities remain scarce. What is missing is an ambitious and sustainable cultural support system—one that can respond to the needs of Sámi cultural and artistic fields on their own terms. The Sámi Culture Fund is our way of building this foundation, ensuring that Sámi culture not only survives, but flourishes for generations to come. We invite partners and supporters to join us in this work—so that together we can safeguard Sámi culture and create new opportunities for future generations.