Sami Stories

"For me, photography is like a tool to get to know people, landscapes, and culture," says Maria Di Stefano.

She is an Italian multimedia artist and photographer known for her unique approach to capturing intimate and private moments. Her work often explores themes of identity and belonging, focusing on how modernisation impacts indigenous communities in several parts of the world.

As part of the series Sami Stories, Visit Norway invited her to revisit Northern Norway. Through her friendly eyes, her skilful lens, and wise thoughts, we meet three Sami: Duojár/ designer Ann-Sofi Kallok, musician Elle Maija Bær, and reindeer herder Aslak Sokki, who shared with us how they see themselves in relation to their Sami heritage.

Who are you?

The way we encounter people in foreign cultures, especially indigenous people, can be a bit of a challenge. Exotification and objectification can often occur. We may end up taking photos rather than making them.

"When I shoot a portrait, it’s important to learn about people and talk with them beforehand about their identity," says Di Stefano.

The co-creation of the portrait thereby becomes an important aspect of the process - based on a real human connection and consent.

Maybe next time you want to take a photo of a person (always ask if it's ok first!), you might also ask: How would you like to be photographed?

A Sami director

The intimate encounters were documented by the renowned Sami director Egil Pedersen. For Visit Norway it was crucial to find a director with a Sami background."I am very proud to have been part of making these films. They are charming, truthful, and emotional," says Pedersen. He wanted to portray Sámi individuals who showcase both something new and different about Sámi culture, as well as its traditional aspects, and who represent different facets of being Sámi."I wanted to depict something authentic and true, something that the locals could also recognise," he adds.

A newfound energy

The Sami population in Norway went through a difficult time during large parts of the 1900s. The indigenous group suffered from harsh repression and tough "Norwegianisation". They were forbidden from speaking their own language and had to learn Norwegian under strict assimilation policies.They received a formal apology from the Norwegian king, Olav, in 1989, during the inauguration of the new Sami Parlament in Karasjok. Today, the Sami culture experiencing a new revival and is flourishing on its own premises. "Every group has the right to decide its own culture, and how they want it to develop. It's not for anyone else to decide," says Ann Sofi Kallok.

A genuine approach

But what does she, Elle Maija Bær, and Aslak Sokki, want their encounters with travellers from all over the world to be like?

Expressions of Sami culture

The Sami culture is deeply rooted in nature and ancient traditions. Many families are still reindeer herders, especially in Finnmark.

But most Samis are not! In fact, a lot of Sami live in big cities like Tromsø and Oslo.

There's also a strong, newfound energy in the Sami community, which has spread throughout Norway. This has sparked a boom in art works and cool, modern design, including beautiful jewellery, inspired by the Sami culture and lifestyle.

"Some of my designs have a geographical connection and should therefore only be used by Samis. But I am very happy when people want to use my other designs - it shows a kind of support," says Kautokeino designer Ann-Sofi Kallok.

Visit Sapmi

Curious to read more? See below for inspiration on how to visit and learn more about the Sami culture.

But remember a few things:

1. Always ask if it's ok to take a photo.

2. Talk to people and show genuine interest.

3. Don't approach reindeer in nature and keep your distance. These are wild animals and should not be disturbed.