Saami, Skolt in Finland

People Name:	Saami, Skolt
Country:	Finland
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	500
World Population:	900
Primary Language:	Saami, Skolt
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	97.00 %
Evangelicals:	10.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Finno-Ugric, Saami
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Skolt are one of the indigenous far northern Saami peoples. Their homeland was divided between Finland and the USSR in 1920 by the Treaty of Tartu. This treaty curtailed their traditional work of hunting, fishing and keeping herds of reindeer.

None live in Norway, although there are other Saami groups there. The Skolt population is highest in Finland. They speak their own language, although it is a dying language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Skolt Saami live in the far north where few can survive.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In the 1500s Saint Tryphon of Pechenga converted the Skolt Saami to Christianity. They were among the first indigenous Saami people to become Christian. They are currently members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, though some are Lutheran. There are some who still practice their ancient shamanistic religion.

What Are Their Needs?

The Skolt Saami need to find new ways to earn a living.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bless the Skolt Saami people in every way, leading them to give him praise and thanks.

Pray for Skolt Saami disciples to make more disciples.

Pray for a Holy Spirit revival in their churches, leading many to put their faith in Jesus.