pisarakoosta

Pisarakoosta is an indigenous Sami hunter-gatherer community located in the northernmost parts of Finland. Traditionally, the community has resided in the Lapland region, specifically in the area surrounding the present-day municipality of Enontekiö. The name "Pisarakoosta" is derived from the Sami language, meaning 'turkey home'.

The Pisarakoosta community has a rich cultural heritage and has maintained a unique identity despite influences from the Finnish and Swedish environments. Historically, they have relied on natural resources such as fish, berries, and game for sustenance and clothing. Their traditional way of life has been characterized by a close relationship with the wilderness and the use of hunting and foraging techniques that have been passed down through generations.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Pisarakoosta community came into contact with European colonizers, which resulted in some cultural exchange and borrowing. They were also subject to forced relocation, cultural suppression, and Finnishization policies, which impacted their social structures and language use.

During the 20th century, some members of the Pisarakoosta community adapted to modern Finnish society while still maintaining and preserving their indigenous culture. Efforts have been made by the community to revive traditional practices and language. The Kaiutervuo Baptist Church, an important cultural center located in the community, has played a significant role in preserving Sami cultural identity.

Efforts to recognize and revitalize indigenous Sami languages and customs are ongoing in Finland, including within the Pisarakoosta community.