New Sámi youth leader balances career ambitions with cultural ties

The newly elected chair of Finland’s Sámi Youth Association faces the dilemma shared by many young Sámi: whether to pursue professional opportunities in the south or return to the traditional Sámi homeland in the north, Yle reports.

Jaakko Toikka, a Skolt Sámi from southern Finland, was elected chair of the national association in February. The appointment came as a surprise to Toikka, who had only been active in the organisation for just over a year. “It felt good that so many trusted me to lead our association,” he said.

For Toikka, who grew up in southwest Finland, involvement in the association has strengthened his connection to Sámi culture. “SSN [the Finnish Sámi Youth Association] has reinforced my identity and given me many great friends,” he explained. He sees this as the organisation’s core mission—supporting young Sámi in their cultural identity and fostering ties with other Sámi youth groups across Sápmi.

Like many Sámi youth, Toikka lives outside the Sámi homeland. Though his roots lie in Sevettijärvi, Inari, he has spent his life near Turku, where he studies maritime engineering and works as a deckhand. Balancing education, work, and cultural ties is challenging. He studies Skolt Sámi remotely through the University of Oulu, a language he hopes to master conversationally. “I may not reach native fluency immediately, but my goal is to speak Sámi about everyday topics,” he said.

Distance and financial constraints limit his visits to relatives in the north—a source of frustration. Many young Sámi also feel pressure to return to Sápmi after their studies, though career opportunities there are limited. In Toikka’s field, work would require moving to Norway’s Sámi region. While he dreams of living closer to family in Inari, he acknowledges that staying connected to culture is possible from anywhere. “Even if moving north doesn’t happen, the bond won’t break,” he said.

As chair, Toikka aims to expand low-threshold activities for Sámi youth, making participation easier. The 35-year-old association remains vibrant, with new members joining annually, though its focus on under-29s means frequent turnover. “That’s a healthy sign,” Toikka noted.