Gïejide goerebe – We follow the traaces (Saemien Sijte)

Throughout history, stories about the South Sámi have largely been written by outsiders. In this exhibition at Saemien Sijte, we present our own history, told through our own voices and perspectives.

The main exhibition, “Gïejide goerebe – In the footprints of the past,” takes visitors on a journey through evidence of Sámi presence as revealed through archaeological finds and written sources. Equally important are the stories that have been preserved through tradition, joik and oral storytelling. South Sámi culture is not merely part of the past – it is living and evolving, shaped by centuries of adaptation and change.

The Timeline

The exhibition begins at the time when the ice melted around 14,000 years ago, demonstrating how our shared cultural heritage – such as rock art – is also part of Sámi prehistory.
Based on a timeline starting approximately 12,000 years BCE, the exhibition shows how Sámi identity, language and culture gradually developed. Along the way, key archaeological discoveries and historical events are highlighted, right up to the present day.

Objects and Cultural Heritage

In this exhibition, we are finally able to present our cultural heritage preserved in the museum’s collections. On display are items from the museum’s original collection, objects returned through the Bååstede repatriation project, as well as artefacts donated to the museum in more recent times. Digital tools are also used as part of the exhibition’s interpretation. The exhibition is designed to suit different audiences and levels of prior knowledge, offering opportunities to explore topics in greater depth according to individual interests.

South Sámi at the Centre

Texts and audio are presented in three languages: South Sámi, Norwegian and English, with South Sámi as the main language.
Giving the South Sámi language a clear and visible presence – both visually and audibly – has been a deliberate and important choice.

You can also experience South Sámi vuelie (joik) through a dedicated listening station featuring historical archive recordings.

The Creation Myth

A central theme throughout the exhibition is the Sámi creation myth, written down by the South Sámi priest and author Anders Fjellner (1795–1876). Fjellner is particularly renowned for his work on the Sámi national epic. The creation myth reminds us of humanity’s responsibility towards nature and the importance of caring for it – also for future generations.

Opening hours

Saemien Sijte is a South Sámi museum and cultural centre located in Snåsa, in the very heart of the South Sámi area. The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Thursday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. During the summer season, opening hours are extended, and the museum is open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Welcome to the permanent exhibition at Saemien Sijte.