The Sámi Children's Centre Mánnu

The Sámi Children’s Culture Centre Mánnu was established in 2004. Mánnu aims to strengthen the cultural identity of Sámi youth, promote the appreciation and preservation of traditional Sámi knowledge and skills, and support intergenerational community practices.

The Sámi Children’s Culture Centre Mánnu partners with schools, early childhood education centres, and language nests, in order to reach its target groups – Sámi children and young people under the age of 18 living in the Sámi homeland. Mánnu organises activities that strengthen Sámi culture and the Sámi language in schools, kindergartens, and language nests. Mánnu also contributes to many Sámi events, for example by producing side events for children and young people.

Sámi children’s culture is rooted in community, learning through oral tradition, and the adoption of Sámi culture, art, and duodji (traditional Sámi handicraft). Children’s cultural activities promote both the material and immaterial aspects of Sámi culture.

The activities of the Sámi Children’s Culture Centre are funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, in cooperation with the municipalities of the Sámi homeland and the Sámi Parliament.