Sami building culture in modern times

In today's society, the knowledge of timber framing is dying out, especially among the Sami. Therefore, the project aims to spread this knowledge to the Sami associations in the surrounding area: Sorsele, Malå, and Storuman municipalities. Additionally, others interested are also welcome to participate and learn to timber frame in hopes of starting their own timber framing businesses. In the long term, the idea is for the Ammarnäs Sami Association to own the properties that are timbered, which would enable overnight stays for tourists, hikers, and Sami visitors. This would also be a way for the association to demonstrate the possibility of complementing reindeer husbandry with rentals or other entrepreneurial ideas in the biosphere area.

Experienced and skilled timber framers of Sami buildings will lead the timber framing course, which will be held in Sorsele during July when tourist influx is at its highest. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe during ongoing courses. In Ammarnäs, the course is planned to be held in August when there are many international tourists and hikers present. The project will collaborate with the Biosphere Group, which is involved in planning the large roof raising celebration that will take place at the end of the courses. Additionally, a film is planned to document the project, and short films will be published on social media to raise awareness of the project.

From the Project Application

”In the long term, we hope that more people recognize the value of the old long-term sustainable building tradition and build their own timber houses and tents.”