Arctic Adventure and Sami Community

Hello, readers! Speaking of aging, isn’t it amazing how our love for Disney movies remains timeless? Well, I’ve been a Disney fan since I was a kid. I can’t get enough of classics like Finding Nemo, Cinderella, Snow White, The Lion King, Ratatouille, Beauty and the Beast, and many more—they’re like a never-ending source of joy. But do you know what my absolute favorite is? The movie Frozen has both parts. It’s a wonderfully crafted and unique story about two sisters. Elsa, the elder sister, is the ice queen, and the younger is an ordinary, happy-go-lucky girl. Their sisterly bond is what makes the whole movie so fascinating and totally keeps me hooked

It was the weekend, and I decided to refresh my mind by re-watching Frozen II. While watching, I came across a scene where the main characters, Elsa and Anna, discover that their mother belonged to the Northuldra people, making the sisters half Northuldran. This suddenly reminded me of the Sami community. It caught my attention because I personally experienced this community during my visit to Murmansk, Russia, at Lovozero Husky Park. I got curious about why the Sami community’s in a Disney movie and decided to do little research. I came to know to that the Sami community actually collaborated with Disney animation Moreover, they also actively contributed to dubbing the film in North Sami and launched a training program for Sami youth at Disney Animation Studios.

My experience at Lovozero Husky Park, Murmansk, and learning about the Sami community

Last year, I had the chance to visit the enchanting Husky Lovozero Park in Murmansk Oblast, Northwestern Russia. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience and learn about the local community. The park features a small museum house designed to resemble the traditional dwellings of the Sami people. Upon entering the house, visitors are guided through its interior by a knowledgeable local expert. The displays inside showcase a variety of artifacts, including weapons and utensils, providing insights into the rich culture of the Sami community.
Upon arrival, I had a funny experience at Lovozero! When I got to the park, my guide teased me about my height, saying I looked like a Sami person because of my short height. It was a good laugh and made me even more curious about this unique community.
This community, wrapped in mystery and rich traditions, goes by the name Sami or Lapps. They are a small indigenous group residing in the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, specifically in the Lovozero district of the Kola Peninsula. The most interesting part is their unique culture, traditional clothing, and semi-nomadic lifestyle, with their own languages, parliaments, and media outlets.
The weather in this region is characteristic of the tundra, with cold conditions prevailing. But the Saami people have carved out a unique way of life. Despite the challenges of the rugged terrain and ever-changing seasons, their resilience reflects the spirit of the land they call home

They are the protectors of reindeer and experts in reindeer herding, and they know how to utilize all the parts of the animal for various purposes. Some members of the Sami community also take special classes to learn the skills for reindeer herding, as it is a vital part of their livelihood, providing food, clothing, and materials for tools. The traditional outfit of the Saami community, called Gakti or Kata, is a distinctive and colorful costume that is hand-made and so uniquely designed that the people of the community can easily tell by looking at the outfit where the person is from. The design and colours can vary based on factors like region, family, and individual preferences. Their clothing not only mirrors cultural identity but also serves practical needs in the Arctic climate. With nine diverse Sami languages, colorful attire, and rich traditions, it has left an enduring impression on us. Their harmonious relationship with the Arctic wilderness serves as a profound reminder of its beauty and their connection to ancestral heritage and the land.

In conclusion, my journey to Lovozero Park and the encounter with the Sami community and the Arctic Adventure were unforgettable experiences that left me with a deeper appreciation for their rich cultural heritage. The connection between my visit and the animated representation of the Sami community in “Frozen II” added an unexpected layer of personal significance to the movie. It’s incredible to see how cultures from different corners of the world can intersect and leave a lasting impact, turning simple moments into cherished memories. Sami people’s resilience, traditions, and Arctic harmony emphasize preserving ancestral heritage and land connections, showcasing the beauty of cultural preservation. Disney animations bridge cultures, fostering understanding and unity through storytelling magic.
This is something I’ve experienced and couldn’t contain my excitement, so I wanted to share it with you all.

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on it.

-Arctic Adventure and Sami Community by mgsblogging

Facts | History