Árran – the fire on the hearth at the center of the lavvu. Like the sun at the center of cosmic life, the árran gives warmth, security and a sense of order to the family and the siida.... gives focus to friendship and sharing.  That fire has burned from the days of the ancients, and now the Sami Siida of North America is prepared to assist in its maintenance.

Árran is the quarterly publication of the Sami Siida of North America and Lappmarklag, by and for North American Sami.  Editor is Arden Johnson, and blog editor is Casey Meshbesher.

About the Siida

The Sami Siida of North America is a network of regional communities and individuals who share the heritage of the Sami (Saami) culture of Northern Scandinavia, Finland and the Kola Peninsula.  Participants are immigrants and the descendants of immigrants from that region of Europe traditionally known as Lapland (today called Samiland or Sápmi) and all share an active interest in their heritage.

The regional Siida is not an elite group or typical membership organization, rather it is simply a gathering of individuals and families who have chosen to identify with a cultural birthright.  Most Siida folks are actively involved with genealogical research - all are involved with increasing their understanding of their cultural heritage.

The Siida functions as a cooperative of sorts, sharing what we can and welcoming all who intuitively feel they belong to the clan!  The Siida is the single active representative of the Sami culture in North America with educational projects, publications and events.  The organization maintains an observer seat on the International Sami Council and promotes the revival of cultural awareness in North America.