Aili Anneli Pohjola

Locating Sámi social work in Finland: Meanings produced by social workers in working with Sámi people

This article examines culturally and locally relevant social work. Social work knowledge and practices are usually constructed on the basis of values and norms of the dominant culture. Our aim is to examine social work that is sensitive to local traditions by studying social work being carried out in Finland’s Sámi region. Our focus is on the meanings produced by social workers working with Sámi people. Sámi social work was found to be multidimensional. It was special, yet shared common features with mainstream social work. Cultural sensitivity is constructed in each encounter between a Sámi client and a social worker.

Language as a cultural mediator in social work: Supporting Sámi culture with services in Sámi:

Language takes on heightened importance when working with a cultural and linguistic minority. The article examines welfare services and social work and their role in sustaining the language and culture of the Sámi in Finland as an indigenous people. The inquiry also analyses the current situation of and language use in the provision of services. The research contributes a theoretical discussion of linguistic codes in social work and of the importance of language use in promoting Sámi culture. It concludes that well-functioning services may offer indigenous people an opportunity and environment for using their mother tongue.