About Sámi Church Days 

Historical background 

The Sámi Church Days constitute a collaboration between the Church of Sweden, the Church of Norway, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The first Sámi Church Days were held in 2004, with the aim of creating a joint Sámi church event. It was important that Sámi themselves were responsible for the planning, and that various Sámi and Christian traditions were highlighted as part of the three churches. The cooperation on the Sámi Church Days was formalized in 2009, in the Inari Convention. Over time, the Finnish Orthodox Church has also become more involved. 

Sámi Church Days 2025 

Start 

The Sámi Church Days 2025 officially begins with an opening service on Friday, June 27. Before this, it will be possible to buy lunch from one of the food stalls at the market close to the cathedral, or make something yourself at the fire pit in the same area. There are also many cafes nearby. 

Many have long journeys and arrive the day before, on Thursday, June 26. The Sámi Church Council (Church of Norway) hosts a joint meeting between the Sámi councils from all three countries. The youth program starts on Thursday afternoon, and there will be an evening prayer open to everyone. Both Thursday afternoon and Friday morning can be used to meetings. 

Overview of the Days 

Friday, June 27, is the day for the opening service. It will start at 1:00 PM. In the morning before the service, two exciting exhibitions open. They will be available to both participants and locals. The programme for Friday also provides interesting seminars and activities, such as a seminar on repatriation, a conversation about joik and hymn singing, and the film "More Than Just Mountains". In the evening, the programme provides a hymn evening with a concert, followed by an outdoor midnight service for those who wish to attend. 

The programme for Saturday starts with an Orthodox morning mass. Thereafter the programme provides an exciting main seminar, where Mari Valjakka (Finland), Lovisa Mienna Sjöberg (Norway), and Kaisa Huuva (Sweden) from their respective perspectives, talk about what the churches have to do with truth and reconciliation, for moving forward. Several interesting seminars also take place this day; for example, one on duodji in church spaces, one on Sámi musical expressions as part of the churches work with reconciliation, and an important conversation about how local communities and churches work together against harassment and racism. Early in the evening, there are plans for a joint storytelling session especially for the youngest children. The evening ends with a concert. 

Sunday starts with an appeal to church leaders from the participants at the youth camp. After that, there is some time for further conversations or to view the exhibitions, before the entire event concludes with a closing service and the handing over of the responsibility to the Church of Sweden for the next Sami Church Days.