GlobalThe Kathryn A. Martin Library at the University of Minnesota Duluth has one of the largest Sámi collections in the world, with thousands of books, films, and other items related to the indigenous people of northern Europe and Russia. A trip to Sápmi, supported by an international travel grant from the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, is helping Library Director Matt Rosendahl expand the library’s offerings.
“There’s a long list of cultural, environmental, and historical programming we’re going to develop over the next few years that comes from a deeper and more nuanced understanding of not only the history, but the ways that Sámi people experience contemporary issues,” Rosendahl said.
Rosendahl highlighted the work on climate change that is happening in Sápmi, such as the Zero Arctic Project, which examined how to learn from traditional knowledge and the ideas of traditional construction in designing climate-friendly buildings. The project focused on Northern Finland, Canada, and Japan, with an emphasis on cooperation with the indigenous people of the regions.
“There’s a lot to be learned from what’s happening in Sápmi that can be applied here in northern Minnesota — and, in fact, connected with work that’s also happening here,” he said.
The indigenous experience is of particular interest to Rosendahl, especially as it compares to that of the native communities of northern Minnesota.
“In the past, I too often made an indigenous to indigenous connection or comparison in my thinking,” he said. “While there are similarities for indigenous peoples’ experiences in this world, there are also important differences. This contrast became very apparent to me while I was there.” Rosendahl explained that the current experiences of the Sámi and the Ojibwe in Minnesota are very different. For example, the Sámi do not have sovereignty and land rights.
“Comparing native community to native community flattens and doesn’t do justice to people and their history, culture, and the unique issues they face today,” Rosendahl said. “At the same time, there are things that can be shared and we can learn from.”
In his meetings with librarians, educators, and leaders in Sápmi, Rosendahl also discovered that the library can access records and information to help with cataloging. This will enable more researchers, both at UMD and around the world, to discover its Sámi collection.
Matt Rosendahl is the Library Director of the Kathryn A. Martin Library at the University of Minnesota, Duluth