Panel Discussion

Day: Thu 15 Nov, 2017

Time: 14:30–16:00

Venue: Tieva, Lappia Hall, Rovaniemi

Panelists:

• Niillas Holmberg - Sámi poet, musician, actor and activist
• Rosa Liksom - Finnish author and artist
• Anna Stammler-Gossmann - Anthropologist, researcher, Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland
• Joan Kane - Author, Poet, Faculty mentor, Institute of American Indian Arts
• Sardaana Savvina - Producer, promoter of Sakha cinema, film scholar

Chair:

Liisa Holmberg - Rector of the Sámi Education Institute

Why this theme?

It is estimated that about four million people live in the Arctic. In Finland, the Arctic strategy says that all of the country is Arctic. But what actually makes an Arctic identity? What does it mean for those who live in the Arctic and who defines when someone is an Arctic person and when not?

Who are the panelists?

Chaired by Liisa Holmberg, rector of the Sámi Education Institute, the panel brings together authors, artists and researches to discuss Arctic identity. The panelists include among other Rosa Liksom, winner of the Finlandia literature prize, and Pekka Timonen, director general of Finland 100 Centenary board.

What can we expect?

Being the last session before conference closing, the panel raises some fundamental questions of living and being in the Arctic, questions all too seldom brought to discussion in Arctic events. Sustainable development is possible only if there are people who feel connected to the Arctic.