The Sami heritage of Umea

The Sami people are the only recognised indigenous people in Sweden and Europe. And Umea will be the first European Capital of Culture that highlights them. This is due to the big importance that Sami culture have had as a part of the history and culture of the city of Umea and the Vasterbotten region. Since 1642, 3 reindeer heads have been located in Umea. But the introduction of the Sami Culture in the activities of the Umea’s yrear as European Capital of Culture in 2014 is not the only program created to promote the understanding of the citizens about this people. The Sami Week is carried out every year and takes place in March. There are also research programmes in the Umea University about the Sami language and its culture.