Digitization Project Ensures Preservation of Samefolket Newspaper Archives
Samefolket's archives are being digitized to preserve Sami cultural heritage and improve access to historical materials.
Key Points
- • Samefolket digitizes its archives containing 12,000 images over 120 years
- • Project led by Tor Tuorda and Hanna Partapuoli-Buljo
- • Initiative prompted by water-damaged materials discovered in 2018
- • Effort seen as a cultural movement honoring Sámi rights
A significant initiative is underway to digitize the archives of Samefolket, the world's oldest indigenous newspaper, serving the Sámi community. With over 12,000 images and a vast collection of historical documents spanning 120 years, this project aims to enhance access to invaluable historical materials.
Led by Tor Tuorda and Hanna Partapuoli-Buljo, the digitization effort has been ongoing for about a year, driven by the previous discovery of water-damaged materials during a centenary celebration in 2018. The newspaper, first published in 1904, originally emerged as a protest against the oppressive policies faced by the Sámi people. Åsa Lindstrand, the editor-in-chief, highlighted the project as not just a preservation measure, but a vital cultural act for the Sámi community and researchers seeking insights into their history, particularly from the 1980s onwards.
The digitization will digitize previously inaccessible materials from the late 1940s and streamline access to Samefolket's extensive archives, which include issues and photographs that were at risk of destruction. As noted by Lindstrand, "This is a significant gift to the Sami community," emphasizing its importance in preserving cultural heritage, education, and linguistic rights of the Sámi people.