The Karelian Voice

Karjalaine iäni

The Karelian Voice

Overview

Karjalaine iäni explores the realities of being a young Karelian person in Finland today. The Karelians are a cultural and, in some cases, linguistic minority traditionally residing in eastern Finland and western Russia. Karelians and speakers of the Karelian language have lived in Finland for as long as Finns, but their culture and language have received no legal recognition. Both the culture and language are endangered, and the Karelian community, including young people, are continuously working to revitalize the Karelian language and raise awareness of the Karelian culture. Made in collaboration with Karjalazet Nuoret Suomes – Karjalaiset Nuoret Šuomešša ry as a part of Karjalan kielen elvytysprojekti 2022 (University of Eastern Finland).