HEI-SAMI – Sami language in higher education in suburban areas

Kick-off workshop 12-13 October 2023, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi
The goals of first workshop was getting acquainted with the project members, Sami language teachers, researchers and students. The programme of the workshop includeded a presentation of the aims and tasks and deciding the methods of communication, introductions of each partner institution and working in smaller groups with teachers, students and researchers.

HEI-SAMI Nordplus Language Project: Umeå and Helsinki Workshops in Helsinki, 4–5 November 2024
The HEI-SAMI project’s Umeå and Helsinki workshops took place on 4–5 November 2024 at the University of Helsinki Main Building. The event brought together experts, teachers, and students from Finland, Sweden, and Norway to strengthen collaboration in Sámi language education and research.

HEI-SAMI Nordplus Language Project Monday 4 November 2024, organised by the Umeå University
Monday’s open hybrid seminar features insightedd into the work of the Várdduo Centre for Sámi Research at Umeå University, the evolution of Sámi languages into an academic discipline, and perspectives on Sámi languages education. Afternoon sessions include parallel activities for teachers and students, such as VR game testing and a podcast workshop. The day concluded with a visit to the Metsätalo department and a student gathering.

HEI-SAMI Nordplus Language Project, Tuesday 5 November 2024, hosted by the University of Helsinki
On November 5, a workshop was held at the University of Helsinki to develop and reflect on Sámi language teaching and learning materials. The day began with an opening address by Professor Riho Grünthal. After this, University Lecturer Ilona Kivinen gave a presentation on Sámi language teaching and the current state of learning materials. Building on this, participants worked together with curricula, course content, and materials. After lunch, the afternoon continued with parallel sessions where teachers and students had the opportunity to test a VR game under development, take part in a podcast workshop, and engage in research discussions. The day concluded with a joint final discussion led by Professor Lene Antonsen from UiT the Arctic University of Norway.

The last workshop was held at the UiT – Arctic University of Norway 24-25 April 2025
This two-day event at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway – focused on Sámi language education, research, and revitalization. It brought together scholars, teachers, students, and project partners working with endangered Sámi languages in higher education, especially outside the traditional Sámi regions. The program included talks on Sámi language policy and history at UiT, digital and VR-based language learning tools, practical workshops, and cultural activities. The event also marked the closing of the HEI-SÁMI project and highlighted the results and future for strengthening Sámi language teaching across the Nordic countries.

Njuike fárrui 1 – Davvisámegiela vieris giellan, álgogursa rávesolbmuid oahpahussii,
Kirjoittajat: Saijets, Lapin yliopisto / Helsingin yliopisto, huhtikuu 2025, in press.

Workshops

Magga, Sigga-Maria, Rahko-Ravantti, Rauna ja Keskitalo, Pigga (2025).  Suoma oahpahus- ja kulturministeriija (OKM) – prošeakta. Ovdanbuktin 25.4.2025 Tromsa, HEI-SAMI BARGOBÁDJI.
[EN: Magga, Sigga-Maria, Rahko-Ravantti, Rauna ja Keskitalo, Pigga (2025).  Project funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland. Presentation 25 April, 2025 Tromsa, HEI-SAMI workshop]

Trosterud, Trond (2025). Sámegiela oahpahusa historjá UiT:s. HEI-SÁMI bargobádji, Romsa, 24.5.2025.
[EN: Trosterud, Trond (2025). The history of Sámi language studies at UiT. HEI-SAMI workshop, Tromsø, 24.5.2025.]

Nürnberg, Brede Ede (2025). Sámi studeantasearvi SSDN ovdanbuktin. Hei-Sámi bargobádji. Tromsa. 25.4.2025. 
[EN: Murberg, Brede Ede (2025). Sámi student association SSDN presentation. Hei-Sámi workshop. Tromsø. 25.4.2025.]

Eskonsipo Nystad, Berit Merete & Antonsen Lene (2025). UiT sámegiela álgodási rájes prográmma ođasteapmi & Sámegiella UiT oahpaheaddjeoahpuin. Hei-Sámi bargobádji. Tromsa. 25.4.2025. 
[EN: Eskonsipo Nystad, Berit Merete & Antonsen Lene Update of the progam North Saami from beginner level at UiT & North Saami in teacher education. Hei-Sámi workshop. Tromsø. 25.4.2025.]

Antosen, Lene & Trosterud, Trond (2025). UiT ja sámi giellateknologiija. Hei-Sámi bargobádji. Tromsa. 25.4.2025.
[EN: UiT and Saami language technology. Hei-Sámi workshop. Tromsø. 25.4.2025.]

VR-peli / VR-speallu / VR-game:

VR Language game.docx