Who we are?

The Cooperative Organization of the Indigenous Sámi of Finland (Suomen alkuperäisten saamelaisten yhteistyöjärjestö ry) is a collaborative body representing the Sámi villages (Lapinkylät) of the former Kemi Lapland region. It represents the Forest Sámi Indigenous people. Here, you can find more information about the Forest Sámi and our traditional homeland.

We strive to protect the Forest Sámi and Forest Lapp identity of the original Sámi of the Sámi villages in Finnish Lapland, and to preserve the culture and identity of the Sámi communities in these villages, ensuring their continuity for future generations. In addition, we promote the revitalization, restoration, and reclamation of our own Sámi language.

We advocate on behalf of all descendants of Forest, Mountain, and Fisher Sámi from Sámi villages (Lapinkylät) who identify as Sámi. Member associations of the Cooperative Organization of the Indigenous Sámi of Finland include: Kuivasalmi Sámi Village Association (Kuivasalmen Lapinkyläyhdistys ry), Sodankylä Sámi Village Association (Sodankylän Lapinkylä yhdistys ry), Kuolajärvi Sámi Village Association (Kuolajärven Lapinkylä ry), Peltojärvi Sámi Village Association (Peltojärven Lapinkylä yhdistys ry) and Keminkylä and Sompio Sámi Village Association (Keminkylän ja Sompion Lapinkyläyhdistys ry).

Parliament of Sámi villages in Finland

The highest decision-making body of Suomen alkuperäisten saamelaisten yhteistyöjärjestö ry is the Parliament of Sámi villages in Finland. The Parliament consists of the Chairpersons and representatives of the Sámi villages. It decides on major and significant issues related to finances, development of activities, and strategic direction. The term of the Parliament of Sámi villages in Finland is 3 years.

Chairpersons of the Parliament of Sámi villages in Finland

• Chairperson: Merja Mattila

• 1st Vice Chairperson: Timo Helaniva

• 2nd Vice Chairperson: Rami Niemelä

Members of the Parliament of Sámi villages in Finland

• Kuivasalmen Lapinkyläyhdistys: Harri Siitonen, Armi Haapamäki
  (Substitutes: Timo Helaniva, Veikko Siitonen)

• Sodankylän Lapinkylä yhdistys: Anne-Mari Penttinen, Jukka Kaaretkoski
  (Substitutes: Eeva Siirtola, Veijo Harjula)

• Kuolajärven Lapinkylä: Niko Rytilahti, Jaana Ahola
  (Substitutes: Matti Saari, Pekka Lassila)

• Peltojärven Lapinkylä yhdistys: Reijo Kyrö, Pentti K. Keskitalo
  (Substitutes: Leo Peltovuoma, Onni Niemelä)

• Keminkylän ja Sompion Lapinkyläyhdistys: Eila Ylilokka, Maria Hietanen

• (Substitutes: Maria Hietanen, Leena Pyhäjärvi)

Secretary of the Parliament of Sámi villages in Finland

Samuli Anttila

Executive Committee
Merja Mattila, Timo Helaniva, Rami Niemelä, and Heleena Luusua

The email addresses of the Chairpersons and the Secretary follow the format:
firstname.lastname@metsasaamelaiset.fi