Learn about Sámi culture, society, and language with me in Kautokeino, Norway

Details

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  Description

  I am a Sámi/American scholar, educator, and entrepreneur, living in the arctic Sámi community of Kautokeino. I have two adult children, both of whom live abroad. My academic background is in Sámi and Indigenous studies, and my work is dedicated to my community and other Indigenous peoples globally. I love teaching people about Sámi culture as I believe that the more people learn about various cultures, the better we understand ourselves and the more peaceful our world.
  
  As a host, I can provide guided cultural learning opportunities and activities in nature. I will try to serve local foods, such as reindeer meat and berries. I can also teach rudimentary Sámi language (I’m not fluent, but can provide the basics), and Norwegian. I have an extensive library in my home, ski equipment and snowshoes, which guests can also use in the winter.
  
  My house is brand new and centrally located in the village. I need help with light cleaning, re-repotting plants, and processing locally harvested berries, and housesitting.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Help around the house

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Sustainability

  

  Books

  

  Music

  

  History

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Winter sports

  

  Mountain

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Nature
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I can provide Sámi cultural learning opportunities, such as guided tours, in both the inland reindeer herding communities, and coastal Sámi communities in the Alta area. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, some examples for activities include guided tours in local cultural establishments, berry-picking, fishing, skiing, hiking and day trips to Alta, Karasjok, and Hetta and Karesuando on the Finnish side of the border. I can guarantee that workawayers will see reindeer, as this is a reindeer herding community.

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  Help

  I need someone who can help with light cleaning, processing locally harvested berries, and repotting plants.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Norwegian bokmål: Fluent
  Sami: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  English is my first language, and I am fluent in Norwegian. I am learning North Sámi and would enjoy teaching guests the fundamentals of either Norwegian or Sámi, or even both.
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  Accommodation

  The home is brand new, completed construction in January 2023. It is centrally located in the village and within walking distance of local stores, the univserity college, the hotel with a restaurant and bar, and local museum. Juhls silver gallery is a bit further, but still within walking distance for people who enjoy longer walks.
  
  Currently, I have one bedroom, but I have a dedicated sleeping place with a bed, bedding, and limited privacy in the living room. While I am away, workawayers are welcome to use my bedroom. I have an indoor sauna which guests are more than welcome to use, as well as other amenities: shower stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and soap, plenty of towels,extra pillows, and bedding. I also have a well-stocked library, with titles in English, Norwegian, and North Sami.

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  What else ...

  In the event that I am on a work trip when a guest comes, I will make sure there is food, coffee, tea available. My house is centrally located, within walking distance to all facilities in the village.
  
  It will be difficult for me to accomodate vegans, but I can accomodate ovo-lacto vegetarians and gluten and milk allergies.
  
  Also, I am allergic to perfumes and scents. I ask that you please not wear perfune or scented oils (I am extremely sensive to pachouli type oils).

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  I have a dedicated work area with an adjustable desk, office chair, lighting, and window view, and unlimited internet access.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  If traveling with a campervan, I have exterior electric outlets workawayers are free to use.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I can accept well-behaved dogs, but I am allergic to cats.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

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