Narrative Non-fiction · Hardback

That’s Why You Need to Know that I am Sami

Norwegian title: Derfor må du vite at jeg er same

Ella Marie Hætta IsaksenRandi Helene Svendsen

Ella Marie won Norway’s Stjernekamp talent show, she brought the Sami vocal tradition of joiking into thousands of homes. She has used her new-won star status to draw attention to climate issues and voice her opposition to mining operations in Reppar Fjord. According to her mother, she was born with a fist raised above her head.

This book is a young Sami woman’s identity project, in which she tells readers about her relationship with nature, joiking and Sami culture – but also about prejudices and the darker history of the Sami people, which must never be forgotten.

The combination of knowledge and experience makes "That´s why you need to know that I am Sami" a wide reaching and valuable book. Ellen Marie Hætta Isaksen´s book works as a good ABC of the Arctic Areas of Norway for outsiders. But it is also necessary as a recognizable story for the young Sami today. MORGENBLADETA powerful answer to a question you might not have thought to ask.As a conveyer of a contemporary look at the Sami, she is a unique storyteller. The book has temper and engagement, facts and interpretations. This is a book like no other I have ever read before. Thank you for the book, Ella Marie!NRKThis book has the power needed for changeElla Marie Hætta Isaksen´s book is Sami, proud and totally necessary. VÅRT LAND