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Rising young ambassadors in minority cultural field

Cooperation project “Rising young ambassadors in minority cultural field”

The project “Rising young ambassadors in minority cultural field” brings together Võro, Seto, Mulgi and Sámi youth to exchange experiences, learn from each other and develop leadership skills. In cooperation, they will produce an exhibition and publish a digital collection book of the best practices of youth involvement in indigenous people’s matters in Estonia and Norway.

During the project youngsters will have the opportunity to experience each others’ cultures visiting Southern Estonia and Northern Norway.

Mulgi representatives: Hella Õitspuu, Maileen Muttik, Robin Liiber

Võro representatives: Hellä Iva, Hipp Saar, Meeli Org, Sirlen Vodi

Seto representatives: Emilia Berg, Rasmus Itse

Sámi representatives: Emma Viola Danenbarger, Sofie Jensberg-Schøyen, Linnea Christine Finstad, Ash Langas

Cooperation project “Rising young ambassadors in minority cultural field” is co-funded by the European Union.

Exhibition 'Youth and Roots'

The exhibition “Youth and Roots” was created as part of the youth cooperation between the European Capitals of Culture Tartu 2024 and Bodø 2024, which involved Mulgi, Seto and Võro ​​youth from Estonia and Sámi youth from Norway.

Both Southern Estonia, which has held the title of European Capital of Culture, and Nordland in Northern Norway, are home to unique Finno-Ugric peoples who have preserved their special culture and language to this day. The creative concept of Tartu 2024 was “The Arts of Survival,” and it is precisely the arts of survival that must certainly be addressed today in the Mulgi, Seto, Võro, and Sámi cultures. The survival of these unique cultures and languages ​​depends on the generations currently alive, including the young.

The exhibition highlights a selection of examples and personal experiences of how children and young people participate in their own culture and what their opportunities are to contribute to the development of their own culture.

The exhibition has been prepared by Emilia Berg, Hellä Iva, Hella Õitspuu, Hipp Saar, Maileen Muttik, Meeli Oru, Rasmus Itse, Robin Liiber, Sirlen Vodi, Emma Viola Danenbarger, Sofie Jensberg-Schøyen and Linnea Christine Finstad

Youth mentors: Kadri Laanmets, Annela Laaneots, Getter Lauk, Maria Hernes Baer

Who we are Education Events Youth organisations Media Folklore brings together old and young Young role models

Who we are

  • Emilia, 15 | Seto

    My family has always taught me to appreciate nature and be respectful to it so every time I enter woods I knock on the first tree I see to let the forest know I’m there. My mom gave me silver necklaces that her grandmother had given to her to wear with Seto’s folk costume. The more silver you had the richer you were, so these necklaces were a part of her fortune.

  • Robin, 20 | Mulk

    As there are not many Mulgi language speakers left, it is quite hard to start learning it. When I went to my middle school, there was a multicultural language lesson that I didn’t like at all once a week. As the adults did not speak Mulgi language, the prestige was low and lessons overall a little too easy and sometimes even boring. But when I grew older and went to live outside of historic Mulgimaa, I started to feel the roots were important and the speciality of one’s homeland might be something to value and carry on to future generations as well. As I am part of the Mulgi culture, I see ingenuity, pride and frugality as some of the character traits that Mulks usually value and I do as well. For example, when you break the egg, then one should normally take all the yoik out with her/his fingers.

  • Hella, 20 | Mulk

    When I started learning the language, I felt really welcomed and encouraged by the speakers. No one in my family speaks it, but when a local expert who I didn’t even know personally yet, heard that I was interested, I was given a huge pile of books about Mulgi culture and language. It felt good to feel that accepted and I still do – perhaps because it is a bit like I stepped on a sinking boat and tried to save it. I don’t think a lot of Mulgi people feel like the language is the core of the culture like I do. I also don’t look at heritage culture as something old and long gone anymore – in Mulgimaa, although the situation is not good, you still meet people who whole-heartedly identify as Mulk, who live the cottage life, have the mindset, dedicate their life to revive the culture, and speak the language.

  • Rasmus, 17 | Seto

    My parents haven’t “forced” the culture on me. However, my father has been very involved in Seto culture, and through him, I’ve seen quite a bit. I have a good acquaintance named Hõrna Aare, who is a real treasure, always full of wisdom. Last summer I worked for him and every morning he would drive me to work and back. During the entire ride, he spoke in Seto language (he always speaks in Seto), and he could talk about everything that surrounded us. He knew where buildings had been, who lived there, and, of course, spoke about Setomaa in general.

  • Maileen, 20 | Mulk

    My mother grew up in Mulgimaa and my grandparents still live there. When I was little, every time I went to visit them, my mother told me that we were going to Mulgimaa, and I knew exactly where we were going. At one point I realized that not all people understand where Mulgimaa is, which was surprising to me. My mother has told me that she was told when she was young that a mulk is the one who comes from Mulgimaa to Tartu to study at the university, and that’s exactly what she did too. It seemed funny to me at first and regardless of the fact that it’s just a story, there is actually a grain of truth in this story, considering that the Mulks were the first (in Estonia) to educate women.

  • Sofie, 16 | Sami

    I would say that just the knowledge of knowing that I am Sami did a lot for me. Knowing that I was a part of a group of such strong people that have always been fighting to preserve our culture, language, music and more. Being a young Sami today is hard, but we have come far. There are many issues, but together with other samis we are working on taking everything back. It is a long path, but seeing others doing the same gives me strength. Listening to stories from both young and old, getting through tough times and getting back up stronger makes me more and more proud every time.

  • Emma Viola, 17 | Sami

    Nature is not here to be taken advantage of, but to coexist with. To take what we need, be respectful and knowledgeable. Do not think that people and industry are more valuable than the forces and landscapes around us. If you were to catch a “marmæle” on the hook, you had to give it your mitten to keep it warm, and then in return you would later be warned before storms and rough sea. The marmælen is a creature described in many ways, but it dwells on the ocean floor and if you do not treat it with respect, you will be cursed for the rest of your days at sea.

  • Hipp, 23 | Võro

    I did not start speaking Võro language with my family until about 18 years old and still find it easier to talk in public rather than at home. It reflects the tendency in my culture that fewer and fewer children have Võro language as their mother-tongue. But now this language is the biggest part of my identity. I think the most important idea that I have inherited from my culture is sustainability and respect toward nature. Something that once was probably just inevitable due to financial circumstances fits very well in nowadays world too. On the more fun side – the enjoyment of coming together, having a party and a good time with family. Hospitality and a life where celebrating an occasion is a must. Within all that also the active use and respect to folk music, old songs, dances etc comes along. The respect towards old customs and ancestors too.

  • Sirlen, 21 | Haanja

    My first language, growing up, was not the national language, but a smaller language that is spoken in my region. Haani language. It is the language me and my family and relatives communicate in to this day. My language is an important part of me and how I am connected with my culture. It is a way of expressing myself, communicating with the world around me and a way of thinking. Losing my language would mean losing a part of who I am.

  • Linnea, 16 | Sami

    My family is open-minded and I have grown up with many different ideas and narratives. One of them is the idea that there is more between heaven and earth than what we can see, and that some people are born with certain gifts that others are not. For example, warm hands that can help people heal or recover, or the ability to feel what will happen in the future. A few years ago, my aunt and uncle got stuck on the mountain. There was a lot of fog and they couldn’t see the road ahead. Suddenly they saw a light in the sky that showed them the way to where they were going. I grew up with a lot of focus on culture in the family, and everyone has been interested in learning the language. I myself have had a great experience learning Sami. The teachers are welcoming and everyone I know who can speak it is willing to help me learn more.

  • Hellä, 19 | Võro

    From my father, I have received a deep love for nature and the belief that nature carries power and that nature must be preserved and treated with care. My parents have also given me open and free thinking, the belief that everything is possible and life is beautiful:) Võro is my first language, I have been speaking it with my family since I learned to speak so I haven’t really learned it, it just came to me from my parents. Since this language has always been around me, I have taken it quite naturally and self-evidently. Later I started to understand how special it is to be able to be the keeper of such a small language.

  • Meeli, 18 | Võro

    I have worn my mother’s traditional clothes. The fabric that the skirt was made of was made by my grandma’s brother’s wife. The skirt and shirt were sown by my grandma. There are also very pretty flowers embroidered on the shirt by my grandma. I also have a Seto belt. My mom doesn’t remember who exactly gave it to us but she thinks it was a relative from Setomaa.

Education

Native culture and hobby education

Today’s changed way of life, where generations no longer live together, makes it more difficult to pass on traditions, language and beliefs. Therefore, teaching native culture is also necessary in (hobby) schools and other childcare institutions.

Sami Culture School: Åarjelsaemien vierhtiesåafoe

The Sámi cultural school in Aarborte/Hattfjelldal, operating since 1951, provides language and cultural education outside the regular school system. Through language and culture camps, Sámi youth from across Norway learn traditions, language, and a sense of belonging, fostering their identity. “The best part is seeing children feel comfortable in their Sámi identity,” says teacher Katri Kitti.

Additionally, language centers in many communities offer courses and practice opportunities for both young people and adults, helping to keep the Sámi language and culture alive.

 Seto Children’s School

Seto Children’s Schools (Seto Latsi Kuul) in Tallinn and Tartu were born as a result of the initiative of parents, who wanted to give their children, even if they lived outside Setomaa, the opportunity to regularly experience Seto culture and meet other children of Seto origin. It is a hobby group where you can participate with the whole family, learn the Seto language, songs and dances, involving different generations in learning. Jane Vabarna, one of the teachers, emphasizes the importance of cultural continuity: “Children come to school with pleasure, they are ready to learn and create a connection with their heritage.”

Language and culture weeks

In addition to regular activities, all four small cultures have a week dedicated to their own culture. In Mulgimaa, this week includes, among other things, a national costume day, a food day and a language day, while in Võro ​​County, the entire week is designated as Võro ​​language week, although all kinds of events take place, such as fairs or museum classes. Seto Week also features a variety of events, such as sewing workshops or dancing. The Sami Culture Week begins with the Sami National Day, and the week introduces Sami traditions and art. A separate Sami Language Week is celebrated in October under the leadership of the Sami Parliament to draw more attention to the Sami languages.

Native culture in general education

Sami schools

Norwegian schools provide all students with a basic education on Sámi culture. Students of Sámi origin have a special right to study the Sámi language, which is offered either on-site or as online education, depending on the availability of teachers and students’ needs. For example, Lule Sámi language learners in Bodø gather in a designated school, while North and South Sámi are often taught through distance learning. This system helps young people develop their language skills and strengthen their cultural identity, ensuring the continuity of Sámi traditions.

Võro kindergartens and schools

Since 2011, kindergartens in Old Võromaa have been using Võru language immersion, meaning that the language is learned through use and experience. Traditional songs, nature and other things are taught in Võro language. Currently, all activities are held in Võro language one day a week, and 13 kindergartens across Old Võromaa operate in this way. At the language nest, many children get their first experience with Võro language, which will be useful in the future. All the Võro youth involved in this exhibition have also attended the language nest themselves.

Võro language has been taught in schools since 1994, it is voluntary to integrate it to the curriculum. Currently, Võro language, culture and customs are taught in ten schools in Old Võromaa. Võro language learning mostly takes place in primary school. In Põlva school, Võro language is also taught to the 7th grade, and in Võru Gymnasium, there is a special course introducing Võro culture. The studies are supported by writing, reading and drama competitions. In some schools, some subject lessons are held in Võro language – for example, craft classes.

Seto kindergartens and schools

An outdoor study group has been operating in Setomaa kindergarten since 2021, where all teaching is conducted in the Seto language.

In Setomaa school that was recently reorganised, there are traditional culture classes in the first 7 grades, where students can learn Seto language, singing, crafts and other traditional skills.

In 2024, a unique community class was opened in Obinitsa as part of the Setomaa school, which brings together students from grades 1 to 3 and aims to integrate as much Seto language and culture as possible into the teaching process, involving the entire community as teachers.

Events

Indigenous culture events offer young people the opportunity to participate in traditional culture and promote community cohesion. These events broaden their horizons and give young people the opportunity to make their opinions heard.

 

Mulgimaa family game: rural life is the basis of everything

Mulgimaa brings its children and youngsters together to a family game, where in different farms people can try historical farm work, sing, dance, play and do everything that belongs to rural lifestyle. The family game takes place five times during the summer – every time in a different parish. It connects local businesses with traditional culture.

Jaanika Toome (organizer): “With the event, we introduce interesting places in Mulgimaa and develop local communities, giving small businesses the opportunity to present themselves.”

Uma Pido: the biggest celebration for võro peole

Uma Pido is a singing festival that values Võro language and culture. New songs are created for every festival and every time new generations sing them. That keeps the language alive. For many children, this is the first time when they learn and use their local language.
Triinu Laan (organiser 2006-2017): “Uma pido shows that Võro language is suitable for public use and for singing as well.”

Seto Kingdom’s children day: the new power

Before the Seto Kingdom day, which is the biggest celebration for Seto people, there is also a Seto Children day, organized since 2002. The day is dedicated to the younger generation and teaches them traditions, language and how to represent and keep their culture. There are also different fun competitions. Also, the Seto youth representative, Nuursootska, is elected there.

Márkomeannu: back to the roots through art

Márkomeannu takes place every year in Gállogieddin and the festival is dedicated to Sami culture, art, music and literature. All the food that is offered at the festival is local and goes in harmony with nature, which is really important in Sami culture. In this festival many youth find their identity through art, culture and music.

Youth organisations

Noereh

Noereh (Southern Sami for “youth”) is an organization of young Sami activists in Norway, representing young people in various Sami events or decision-making. For example, they are involved in organizing Sami Pride and stand up for the rights of the Sami to raise reindeer in their areas, which led to large demonstrations in 2023. In addition to standing up for the rights of the Sami, young people and other minority groups, they also use their social media campaigns to encourage people to wear Sami traditional clothing and otherwise get to know their culture. The organization has members aged 12-30 and also has friendship ties with young Sami in Sweden and Finland.

Võro Association (Võro Selts VKKF)

The Võro ​​Association consists of Võro ​​activists. Since the 1980s they have organized the most important Võro ​​events such as the summer university, the publication of yearly books and Uma Pido. In recent years, several young people have joined the organization, adding new aspects to its activities – for example, creating language learning videos, teaching words on social media, organizing youth language cafes. The latest activity is the translation of the Minecraft game into Võro language in order to further expand the areas of language use.

Media

Uma Leht, Setomaa and Üitsainus Mulgimaa are newspapers in native languages, where people from different generations can write and share news, stories and experiences. Uma Leht started in 2000 and is published twice a month, Setomaa is published since 1995 once a month and Üitsainus Mulgimaa was first published in 2008 and is published once a month. 

The ideas and stories of Sami youth are published through interviews in a Sami youth magazine Š which started in 1993 and is published four times a year.

  • Hipp and Uma Leht

    I like to share my opinions about local topics because I care about those. Writing and publishing teaches you a lot. Editorial board is really welcoming and I have also tried to be a summer editor. Collaboration with the paper helps to connect the generations and through writing I can be a role model for other young people.

  • Robin and Üitsainus Mulgimaa

    If you are a young person and you do not write, there is no one who writes (and also won’t be). I have learned a lot, for example, in Mulgi language there is not a standardized writing language yet. Usually the editor makes the corrections but for young people it is better and more helpful to do it together. I try to write my stories in a way that is evocative. I already know some who have also started writing in Mulgi language thanks to my influence.

  • Emilia and Setomaa

    Writing to Seto newspapers has taught me many new words and phrases, my mother always helps and encourages me. With writing I can also inspire other youngsters, some have already asked me where it is possible to learn Seto language. It is also a way to show that Seto language is not only for speaking or singing, it is also suitable for writing.

Folklore brings together old and young

Mulgimaa folklore day and language circles

There are already seven kindergartens where Mulgi days are organized.

Children folklore day is one of the oldest events in Mulgimaa. Usually 160-200 youngsters from all over the Mulgimaa participate with singing and dancing. In 2024 the folklore day took place for the 29th time. Every year the day is focused on a different topic. Children who can’t attend the folklore day can learn their culture in their kindergartens where small language “nests” are held once a month where children can learn about Mulgi heritage in Mulgi language, there are also singing games. Right now there are seven kindergartens where Mulgi day is organised once a month.

Folk dance performance “Aig verep armu müüdä” took place in Karksi-Nuia. In 2024 summer seven folk dance groups with participants from 6-65 years went to the stage to tell the stories of Mulgimaa and its people. There were old tunes from Karksi and Halliste parish and some dances were traditional, some were new.

Alli Laande who organizes both events says: “Young people have to get in touch with their culture from an early age, so they understand why Mulgi people are the way they are. When there are leaders, there are also language nests.

The Legend of Haanimaa

“The Legend of Haanimaa” tells a story how Haanimaa was created, how life was here before, how it has gone on and where it is today. Legend was born from Haanimen’s council ideas and actions. Artist Epp Margna painted the story on ashed wood planks. The legend is also known in Haanja school and for the last 20 years there has been an art day that is inspired by the legend. It is called the Landscape Art Day. Haani youngsters Kirke Saarnits and Helena Ustal have created an exhibition based on the legend and part of it is exhibited in Munamäe watchtower.

“For me, the legend is about where the people of our region come from. When creating the exhibition, I was inspired by the phrase: “If you know where you come from, you know where to go.” The planks depict the fire people, the forest people, the field people… As a whole, they show that life is constantly changing. These people had these given ways to survive, live, and create at that moment, and I, at this moment, have to look at my surroundings and think as if I were the next few planks. Maybe if this sequence of planks continues, then our current life will represent something completely new. But for this, it is very necessary to know where we come from, so that we have a clearer goal to move forward and create our current life.”

“The Landscape Art Day at my elementary school was a great day, where people painted on planks and showed existing planks next to them for inspiration. The legend was told in passing. It’s interesting that at that time only bits and pieces were told. For me, this legend just grew over time, or it only became complete when I came across the entire text of the legend while creating the exhibition. And maybe the reason is also related to myself, how I receive information, that when I paint, I don’t hear exactly what’s going on around me, but we were also inside this legend when we painted. That it came quietly like that. These planks were always somewhere, they always came in pairs. Finally, when I saw them all together, I was amazed that there were so many of them. They wandered around from time to time, I would say they are a bit like people, with souls and quietly living their mysterious lives.”

Young role models

What makes young people most interested in a topic is a role model, when someone consciously and passionately views their culture, talks about it, or participates in it. In many places, such a symbolic position has also been consciously created to inspire and encourage other young people.

 

Spokesperson for Võro language

Spokesperson for Võro language is a title that started in 2021. This title is given to people who have shown interest in Võro language and it inspires them to be a role model for others as well. Sometimes also young people get this title.

  • Hipp’s experience

    “I got the title of the spokesperson for Võro language and the chain of office in summer 2023 and during this time I decided to visit every parish in Old-Võromaa and make TikTok videos about those visits. I learned a lot while doing it and people also really liked it, so I got invitations to give lectures in schools and a lot of good feedback. Now people always refer to me as the spokesperson for Võro language and this is who I really am – the title helped me to find this way.

Seto youth representative - Nuursootska

Since 2006 every year at Seto Kingdom Children day there are elections for nuursootska who represents Seto youth for the next year. Almost all the youth representatives have later become active delegates and organisers in Seto culture but also on a wider scale. For example, the first youth representative was Jalmar Vabarna, a well-known musician.

  • Rasmus' experience

    “I am Rasmus, the youth representative of Setomaa for the year 2024/2025. This role has been eye-opening and educational – I have met many inspiring people and gained new knowledge. As a youth leader, I represent young people, learn from the elders and share my own experiences, helping to keep Seto culture alive.”