Indigenous Religion(s) in Sapmi

By Siv Ellen Kraft

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the complex revival and transformation of Sami spiritual traditions in northern Norway, examining how ancient indigenous practices find new expression in our contemporary world. Siv Ellen Kraft investigates the fascinating process through which the Sami people have reclaimed and reimagined their ancestral religious heritage since the 1970s, navigating between global expectations of what constitutes indigenous spirituality and the authentic preservation of local customs.

The work reveals how spiritual revival intertwines with identity formation and cultural sovereignty, showing how the Sami community has actively shaped their religious narrative rather than simply preserving static traditions. Through detailed case studies from art and cultural movements, Kraft demonstrates how creative expression serves as a vital channel for maintaining and evolving indigenous spiritual practices.

Readers interested in understanding how traditional wisdom adapts to modern contexts will find valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between spirituality, politics, and cultural identity. The book examines how protective activism and artistic endeavors contribute to what the author terms "indigenous afterlives," where ancient spiritual concepts take on new forms while maintaining their essential character.

This thoughtful analysis offers perspectives on how indigenous communities worldwide navigate the tension between honoring ancestral traditions and meeting contemporary spiritual needs, making it relevant for anyone exploring the evolution of spiritual practices in our globalized world.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)

📄 Length: 203 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Religious life and customs
✓ Explore RELIGION / General
✓ Learn from indigenous wisdom
✓ Explore Religion and politics
✓ Explore Politique et gouvernement
✓ Explore Sacred space
✓ Explore Vie religieuse
✓ Explore Social movements

Topics Covered

Religious life and customs RELIGION / General Indigenous peoples Religion and politics Politique et gouvernement Sacred space Vie religieuse Social movements Shamanism Religion et politique Mouvements sociaux Politics and government Religion Sami (European people) Lapons