The SamiSiida of North America is a loosely organized group of regional communities, primarily in Canada and the United States, who share the Sami culture and heritage from the arctic and sub-arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. This area has traditionally been referred to using the endonymsSápmi and Samiland as well as the exonymLapland. Individuals within the North American Siida are immigrants, descendants of immigrants, or are supporters of the Sami culture, although may not have any family lineage from Sápmi.
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 FinnFestUSA, American Swedish Institute, and the Norwegian-American Bygdelagenes Fellesraad. The Siida also hosts a larger gathering approximately every two years called the "Siiddastallen." Within the NABF, the Siida has a strong representative status as a separate Lag under that organization, under the Lapmark Lag. 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 InternationalSaami Council.
Differences between the North American and Scandinavian Siidas
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 Arran newsletter is the official publication of the Siida and is published four times a year. Arran is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Elected Council Chairs
2016-present : Mervi Maarit Salo 2012-2016: John Edward Xavier 2005-2011: Marlene Wisuri 2000-2005: Cari Mayo 1996-2000 : Anja Kitti-Walhelm
