Meet Elin Marakatt, author and journalist who is passionate about the Sami culture, language and folk beliefs. She has written several books that we at OLIKA have published and today we have spoken to her so that everyone can get to know the person behind the books.
Hello Elin! Who are you?
– I am a creative soul who loves being out in nature. I like hearing old Sami stories and I like creating things, both handmade, painting and writing. So I write scripts for both books and films. Northern Sami is my native language and I grew up in a Sami reindeer herder family in Lainiovuoma Sami village and in the village of Idivuoma. In recent years I have worked as a journalist, scriptwriter on various film and book projects.
What are your best tips on how to teach children about Sami culture and language in a
preschool context?
– Have a Sápmi theme day: eat Sami food, listen to yoik and read Sami books. Watch a Sami film and invite a Sami author to talk about Sami culture.
Many children have probably seen the 2024 Christmas calendar Snödrömmar and thus got to see more of Sami culture. Have you watched it yourself and if so, what did you think of the depiction?
– I thought the Sami humor came across in a very good way. We have a lot of humor in everyday life. So exciting about the Saivo world, I've actually written a children's book about the Saivo world. It's called Lilli, Lávre and the Saivio world.
Do you have any recommendations for preschool books, in addition to your own, for those who want to learn more about the Sami people and Sami culture?
– Yes. Anna Nutti Wiandt has written many great children's books. So I like Plupp of course, I read the Plupp book to my son every night. There are many exciting animals, nature and reindeer. We like that.
Do you have any favorite words in Sami that don't exist in Swedish?
– Yes, the Sami language is such a beautiful language poetically and there are so many beautiful words. So it's hard to choose! But I like, ráhkis which means dear or darling. Láttat - cloudberry and eallu which means reindeer.
What makes you happy?
– To be out in the mountains and ski. Then lots of stories come to me!
What makes you angry?
– That children and young people learn so little about Sami culture in school! Everyone should learn more about Sami culture so that ignorance decreases. More books should be written about our culture, language and traditions.
What are you looking forward to?
– Spring with skiing in the spring sun and summer. Bright nights with the midnight sun and calf marking up in the mountains.
What would you like to say to our readers?
– Read more about Sami culture, there is so much exciting stuff.
Glitter in everyday life?
– Do little things, like take an evening walk in the moonlight. Ride a scooter and visit a friend and tell a few jokes so you can laugh :)
