Sámi Americans

Sámi Americans are Americans of Sámi descent, who originate from Sápmi, the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. The term Lapp Americans has been historically used, though lapp is considered derogatory by the Sámi.

Most Sámi emigrants came to the United States to escape ethnic discrimination, religious persecution and/or poverty. The traditions and culture of these immigrants were further repressed by pressure to assimilate within Anglo-American society. As a result, very few Americans of Sámi descent are aware of their ancestry and many traditions have not been preserved outside of small communities. In 2000, a total of 945 American residents self-reported Sámi ancestry on their census. Although the actual number of Americans of Sámi descent is unknown, it is estimated that approximately 30,000 people of Sámi ancestry live in North America.