Last Yoik in Saami Forests (part 1 of 6)

Ohjaajan päivitetty versio google videossa (suomeksi): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4456655809390251694

The Finnish state-owned company Metsähallitus is logging the northernmost ancient forests in areas inhabited by the Saami people. The Finnish state has not been able to prove its legal ownership of these forests. These logging activities cause remarkable harm to reindeer herding by destroying winter grazing areas.

The documentary questions the responsibility for Saami culture and northern ecology, but also critically questions what kind of activity is acceptable for these slowly growing northern pine trees.

Director Hannu Hyvönen, began working on this documentary in the spring of 2005 when Greenpeace set up a "forest rescue station" in Inari.

-One shock for me while making this film for the way of this wood is used. Most of the wood is used for pulp and paper and the most value added-product of old pine stock is used to make railway ties, says Hannu Hyvönen

Finnish Prime Minister, Matti Vanhanen was also challenged to give his opinion during the presidential election tour in Ivalo in 2005. When Vanhanen denied giving his own opinion, then director of the Finnish Security Police, SUPO, Seppo Nevala was more open. He accused Greenpeace of being a violent terrorist organisation in public radio interview.

-It is frightening that SUPO has twisted the reality of the situation. One would think that the Security Police would be able to search public internet sites to prove who is guilty of violence and terror -- those being the demonstrators in favour of current forestry practices, says Hyvönen.

Even if the focus of the film is on Saami issues, the threats of violence for political aims give it a new dimension.

-The situation is alarming for the situation of Saami rights and also for the state of Finnish democracy.

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http://www.elonmerkki.net/en/index
Above description abridged

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Saami
• Logging
• Indigenous
• Corporations
• State
• Sapmi
• Lapland

[Darkstorms15]

im only 1/8 sami. but i research sami culture alot. we need to save the sami land and preserve our culture! sami pride!

[moominpic]

I was in Inari over 15 years ago and there was loads of forestry then. God knows what damage they've done. Hope some good comes of this film.

[sauticml]

How is this not the same imagery as in "Avatar?...that so many billions say they loved and understood...where is the outcry to THIS real, grounded, human story?!?

[TheOldtimer1942]

@TheOldtimer1942 Sorry but Youtube ate most of my post about the Sami History

[TheOldtimer1942]

stern waters. This is now in grave danger because the Prime Minister gave the russians all the fishing waters to the Russians and they closed them off for oil drilling and brought in warships to enforce their bans. The PM is Communist and gives the Russians anything they want!

[matkamine]

The film changed my point of view to Finnish life philosophy, politics and culture. I thought it could happen somewhere in the wide world, not in Finland. Thank you filmmakers!

[LindseyGrace55]

@CitizenofTatooine

I know what you mean. the face shapes on some of them and the chanting is very much similar

[ovarNine1000]

Saami fan from Estonia, I hope someday our related Saami friends get to be master of their own land.

[Scorppanen]

 Joskus hävettää olla suomalainen.