A new exhibition at the Kin Museum in Kiruna highlights the significance of Johan Turi’s 1910 book, Muitalus sámiid birra, which provides a rare firsthand account of Sami life in early 20th-century northern Sweden. Through illustrations, written narratives, and cultural observations, Turi’s work documents the struggles of the Sami people—facing systemic racism, land conflicts, and industrial expansion—while preserving their traditions, beliefs, and daily experiences. The display coincides with the release of a long-awaited state report on historical abuses against Indigenous communities, offering a stark contrast between Turi’s historical testimony and ongoing efforts toward accountability. The exhibition serves as both a tribute to Sami resilience and a reminder of the enduring impact of state policies on their way of life.
Show at Kin Museum in Kiruna marks handover of long-awaited report on abuses committed by the state against the Indigenous peopleFrom a detailed multi-perspectival drawing of reindeer to written accounts of belief systems and childbirth, Johan Turi’s work offers unparalleled insight into his life as a Sami person living in northern Sweden at the start of the 20th century.In the face of racist discrimination, land disputes and the spectre of encroaching industry, Turi wanted his 1910 book Muitalus sámiid birra (An Account of the Sami) to set the record straight about the lives of Europe’s only recognised Indigenous people. Continue reading...
