Kautokeino
Kautokeino, a small town in Norway’s Finnmark region, is a unique and vibrant cultural hub that is home to some of the most fascinating stories and traditional practices of the Sámi people. The Sámi are an indigenous people who have historically inhabited the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. In Kautokeino, their culture has been preserved through centuries, providing us with a glimpse into their rich history. In this article we will explore the Sámi history and traditions in Kautokeino by visiting local attractions and learning about the culture through the eyes of locals. Come along on this journey through Sámi history and discover what makes this small village so special!
Kautokeino (Guovdageaidnu) is an area of Indigenous Sámi people, who are known for their distinctive culture and traditions. The area has a long and rich history, dating back to the prehistoric era when the ancestors of modern-day Sámi were living on the land. Today, Kautokeino is still very much alive with contemporary Sámi culture and customs – from reindeer herding to art and music. In this article, we’ll explore what life is like in Kautokeino today as well as how its history has shaped it into the vibrant community that it is today.
What is Kautokeino?
The town of Kautokeino is the administrative centre of Finnmark County in northeastern Norway. It is located in the inland part of the county, on the south side of the Reisa River. The town has a population of 2,877 (as of 2023), making it the largest settlement in Finnmark County. Kautokeino has a long history and was first mentioned in writing in 1607, when it was called Skoger. It was granted town status in 1851, and changed its name to Kautokeino in 1917. The town's growth was spurred by the arrival of the Norwegian National Road (now European route E6) in 1883 and the opening of a railway station on the Oslo-Murmansk line in 1915. Kautokeino is home to several Sámi museums and schools, as well as a Sámi research centre. The annual Easter festival and reindeer race are some of the most popular events in town.
The history of Kautokeino
The municipality of Kautokeino is located in the Finnmark county of Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Kautokeino. The history of the municipality can be traced back to the late 16th century, when the area was first settled by Sámi people. The town of Kautokeino was first mentioned in historical records in 1651, and it was established as a municipality in 1851. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kautokeino was an important trading post for reindeer furs and other Sámi handicrafts. The economy of the municipality is now based on reindeer herading, agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
Contemporary Kautokeino
The contemporary town of Kautokeino is the administrative centre of the municipality of the same name, in Finnmark county, Norway. The town has a population of 2,877 (as of 2023), and is located approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. Kautokeino is one of the world's northernmost towns. Kautokeino is situated at the confluence of the rivers Anarjohka and Giebmegáisi, at an elevation of 447 metres (1,466 ft) above sea level. The landscape around Kautokeino is characterised by mountains and taiga forest. The municipality covers an area of 12,496 square kilometres (4,828 sq mi), making it the fifth-largest municipality in Norway by area. It borders Sweden to the east, Finland to the south, and Norway's Nordkinnland district to the west and north. The town was originally settled by Sámi people, and until 1917 it was part of Finland. In 1918, following Finland's independence from Russia, Kautokeino became part of Norway. Today, Kautokeino is a modern town with all amenities one would expect to find in any other Norwegian town or city its size. However, it still retains its unique character and culture which has been shaped by its location and history.
The Future of Kautokeino
The people of Kautokeino have always been proud of their traditions and culture, and they continue to maintain a strong connection to their heritage. However, they are also aware of the need to adapt to the changing world around them. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on tourism and reindeer husbandry in Kautokeino. The municipality is working hard to develop infrastructure and facilities that will make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors. There are also plans to expand the reindeer herding operation in Kautokeino. This will not only provide an important source of income for the community, but will also help to preserve the traditional way of life. Looking to the future, the people of Kautokeino are confident that they can maintain their unique culture while also embracing change.
Conclusion
We have seen how Kautokeino has evolved over the centuries, from a traditional Sámi culture to one that embraces modern influences. From its unique handicrafts and reindeer herding to the contemporary art, music, and literature it produces today, Kautokeino has something for everyone. Its fascinating history has left an indelible mark on this vibrant community that still resonates in their culture today. Whether you’re after traditional Sámi artifacts or looking for a glimpse into modern life in Kautokeino, there is something here for everyone!
Public institutions such as the Sámi Parliament, Sami University College, the State Administrator in Troms and Finnmark, Sámi upper secondary school and reindeer husbandry school, Nordic Sámi Institute, Sámi Special Education Service, Sámi Archive and the Norwegian Institution for Human Rights provide many jobs in the municipality.
By Roger K. Olsson
