Fenno-Ugria at Paide Opinion Festival 2025

The cultural diversity panel took place on 9 August from 6 to 7.30 p.m. Fenno-Ugria panel “Success stories and different experiences of integration in Finland, Norway, and Russia” featured Hannele Valkeeniemi (Finnish Institute), Aimar Ventsel (University of Tartu), Tõnu Seilenthal (University of Tartu), and was moderated by Fenno-Ugria director Barbi Pilvre.

In recent decades, Finland and Norway have seen the emancipation and change in status of the Saami people, as well as compensation at the state level for the moral suffering caused in the 20th century. The Sami languages are thriving. In Finland, we can also talk about the status and integration of the Karelians and Ingrians. What can Estonia learn from this? The perspectives of Finno-Ugric minorities in Russia in terms of self-awareness, identity, and language proficiency were discussed. Also, the concept of decolonization including in the Russian context was explored.

Photos can be seen here.

The panel can be seen below.