Sámi Duodji
The Sámi Duodji trademark tells the buyer that a product is genuine duodji made by a Sámi. When you buy products with the Sámi Duodji trademark, you know that you are supporting Sámi duoját (handicrafter) and the Sámi community.
Which products can be labelled with the Sámi Duodji trademark?
The Sámi Duodji trademark can be used on duodji (handicraft products) made by a Sámi or Sámis, and which follow traditional material use, form, techniques, and use. An example list (link)has been prepared which explains which products the Sámi Duodji trademark can be used on, and which requirements there are for the products. It is permissible to use machines to help in the work, but products that are entirely machine-produced/factory-produced are not approved.
The licensing offices for the Sámi Duodji trademark (Duodjeinstituhtta, Sámi Duodji ry, and Sámi Duodji Sameslöjdstiftelsen) are our professionals, and they have prepared the list together. They will together update the list if necessary.
Due to changes in the trademark and digitization, those with the old Sámi Duodji trademark must submit a new application to get the new trademark. The old Sámi Duodji labels cannot be used after the end of 2023.
Duodji
Duodji is traditional Sámi crafts and arts. Duodji encompasses both the act of creating something and what is produced. Duodji is the term used in Northern Sámi, while in Lule Sámi it is called duodje, and duedtie/vætnoe is used in Southern Sámi
Why do we need Sámi trademarks?
Products that are inspired by Sámi culture, but not made by Sámis, are a big challenge for the entire Sámi community. Many customers are interested in buying genuine duodji, but they do not have enough knowledge to distinguish genuine duodji and copies of duodji products. With the help of Sámi trademarks, we Sámis ourselves define what duodji is, and provide the customer with tools that enable them to find genuine Sámi duodji.
Benefits of the Sámi Duodji trademark
The Sámi Duodji trademark will strengthen Sámi competitiveness in the world, protect Sámi culture and duodji, and ensure that we Sámi ourselves decide how our culture is commercialized. Users of the Sámi Duodji trademark are visible on our websites and social media. Sámi businesses are often small and work a lot alone. You are part of a larger community when you have the Sámi Made trademark, you are part of a larger community. We also want to offer conferences and courses to our licensed users.
Who manages and owns the Sámi Duodji trademark?
The Saami Council owns the Sámi Duodji trademark on behalf of the Sámi people. Sámi duodji organizations and institutions are our partners, and they act as licensing offices, managing and distributing the Sámi Duodji trademark.
In Norway: Duodjeinstituhtta
In Finland: Sámi Duodji ry
In Sweden: Sámi Duodji Sameslöjdstiftelsen
The Saami Council is a voluntary and independent Sámi cultural and political organization, which functions as a cooperation body for Sámi organizations. Since our foundation in 1956, The Saami Council has worked actively with Sámi political issues.
Apply for the Sámi Duodji trademark
Do you want to strengthen your company's competitive power in the larger market? Here you can apply for a Sámi Duodji trademark, find an example list of traditional duodji and more information about the criteria for applying for trademarks.
Apply here
