"A pair of reindeer boots and my dad's belief he was "Laplander" began my connection to Sámi heritage. Soft spoken, quiet, dad never said why he held that belief. He spoke little of his childhood, marked by the loss of his father at an early age. So far, I know I come from the Värmland, Norbotten. My grandfather's story may be of immigrant erasure, and mine diaspora searching for roots. The journey has been filled with Sámi friends who are like cousins, celebrations, new skills, craft, food, joik and visits to Sápmi. The journey feels as full and important as what I may find at the end.“ 

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“I had the privilege of growing up knowing about and experiencing my Sámi heritage, but since immigrating to America, my family has been disconnected from our family in Sápmi and no longer speak a Sámi language. I am currently connecting with family members and learning davvisámegiella and anarâškielâ.”

“Generations of my Sámi family were born in Tannas Fjell, Lullisápmi. Alena, whom I was named after, told my father and his siblings to be proud of their “Lapplander” heritage, and shared oral history of our family of reindeer herders, duodjars, and shoemakers who migrated to the mountains of Lullisápmi from “the far north.” I grew up knowing this family history, but have only recently begun my deeper journey into learning Sámi culture and respectfully relearning our family traditions.”

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“My journey of reconnection began in 2018 when I discovered my Sámi ties in northern Finland. I hope to help make PSS a stable stepping stone for those looking to begin, or continue, their own walk back to Sapmi.”

“I grew up in Norra Bredåker, a village of ~150 people situated on the Lule River between Luleå and Jokkmokk. My earliest memories are feeding family reindeer, braiding sled harnesses, going to Jokkmokksmarknaden, and staying in lavvu on hunting/fishing trips. I’m delighted to have found a community of Sami in the US who’ve helped me feel so at home after my move.”

Iŋgor Ántte Áilu Gaup (Ailloš) is a Sámi actor, composer, and musician born and raised in Guovdageainnu (Kautokeino, Norway) who focuses on the traditional Sámi art of joik.

Troy Storfjell specializes in Sámi and Indigenous studies, where his work is largely guided by Indigenist criticism and decolonize methodologies. In his scholarship Troy works to create a place for Indigenous intellectual and philosophical traditions within the academy, bringing Sámi ways of knowing to bear on such topics as settler colonial literature, multicultural diversity and trans-Indigenous film studies.

Lynn Gleason has been part of PSS since its beginnings. Lynn is a librarian by profession and historian at heart, with substantial knowledge about the Sámi American community.