Art Write Cope and Sámi Birgengoansttat

Abstract

“You should not be a person of only one occupation.” The Sámi scholar in pedagogy, Aimo Aikio, explains this phrase in his book Olmmoš han gal birge (2010, 20-30). The phrase says a lot about the Sámi traditional way of thinking and living, and about Sámi birgengoansta, coping skills. In the Northern Sámi language we have the terms birget, and ceavzit: birget means coping and managing practically in life, both existentially and socially. Ceavzit means to manage, or not give in to. The Sámi scholar in pedagody Asta Balto also writes about Sámi children’s’ upbringing. Traditionally Sámi children were thought how to develop and use their own talents and abilities, and be versatile, in order to be a harmonious person. They were prepared for adult life (Balto 1997, Aikio 2010). This view opposes the thought of specialization and knowledge within a narrower field of expertise. This philosophy also applies to the way many Sámi authors approach the field of aesthetics. Despite recommendations of focus on specialization within one single art form, many of the most prominent Sámi writers work with different artistic expressions. They write within a variety of the literary genres, they are musicians, drawers, painters, actors, yoikers and playwriters. This demonstrates a holistic perspective within Indigenous art. The way Sámi authors have used, and are still using the diversity of aesthetic expressions in order to be visible and to have a voice, constitutes a perspective of justice. It means having the right to a past, presence and future. As a person, as an artist and a as a people.