History of early childhood education in the sámi language in Finland

Abstract

The Finnish system of early education provides early education in Sámi. This is the first time that the legal status, position and implementation of the Sámi language have been studied and reported. The relevant laws, decrees and acts, as well norms and other existing documentations were used as data, which was analysed by content analysis. The results revealed three main phases in the development of Sámi language education: The proceeding time, the establishment of units and expansion of activities, and a phase of pedagogical interest. This study highlights that the history of Sámi language early education is brief and that local activities have been important in establishing this education. Early education in the Sámi language has been developed in a gradual and quite unnoticed way within the main cultural system and is characterised by the loss of a clear and unified direction and administration.