This episode, Shannon and Laura speak with Nina Mielipäivä, a Sami heritage holder and author of Mythology of the Sámi - Minorities Within Minorities, to explore what Sámi culture means today and why reclaiming stories matters.
Together, they unpack what the word “witch” can mean in Indigenous and marginalized contexts and what drew Nina to write a book centered on minority voices within minority communities. The episode offers a clear, accessible introduction to who the Sámi are, their history, and the nuanced ways identity and sovereignty unfold across communities.
The discussion dives into how the Arctic landscape shapes Sámi spirituality, myth, and storytelling, reflections on deities, the animal world, and sacred beings. They explore shamanic practices and drum traditions with care, underscoring the respect and responsibility required when approaching these traditions in modern spaces.
Tying it together with a note of hope, the conversation turns to language revival, cultural reclamation, and the resilience that sustains Sámi culture. If you’re curious about Indigenous spirituality and minority histories, this episode invites you to listen with curiosity, care, and a sense of shared wonder.
Support Nina- Buy the Book -Mythology of the Sami
Nina suggests the following places are a great place to start learning more:
Vaietut Juuret - Silenced Roots by Nina Maaninka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a5x78VQ62M
Be or Not To Be A Sámi by Hervé Magnin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFNffAHjgrU
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Produced & Presented by Shannon Cotterill & Laura Turner.
Post Production, editing & original music by Matt Turner @turnzout_media
