Karelia has sent delegates to Finno-Ugric Congress (VIDEO)

Head of Karelia addressed delegates from our republic to the IVth Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples of Russia with words of encouragement

On September 22 Head of Karelia Sergey Katanandov met with delegates that will represent our republic at the IVth Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation in Saransk on September 24-26. The delegation includes 11 participants of the three indigenous peoples of Karelia: Karelians, Veppsians and Finns.

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Indigenous peoples of Karelia welcome guests from the Council of Europe

International seminar Strengthening of the Role of Non-Government Organizations Protecting Culture and Languages of National Minorities is to be held in Karelia on September 19-21. The seminar is organized by the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, Council of Europe, European Commission at the support of the Fund for Promotion of International Cooperation and Karelian Resource Center of Non-Government Organizations.

Representatives of Karelia participated in the session of the Advisory Committee of Finno-Ugric peoples

On September 12 regular session of the Advisory Committee of Finno-Ugric peoples was held in Moscow to discuss the Plan of activities of the Committee for 2010 and preparation for the international workshop conference Functioning of Finno-Ugric Languages in the Contemporary Context to be held in November in Syktyvkar.

Karelia at the session was presented by the Deputy Minister of the Republic of Karelia on National Politics and Relations with Religious Associations Elena Bogdanova, Chairlady of The Vepsian Culture Society Karelian regional public organization Zynaida Strogalshchikova

Finnish Intellectuals Circulating Petition against Moscow Plan to Flood Mari Lands

A group of Finnish intellectuals is seeking signatures on an international petition urging Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to drop plans to raise the water level behind a Volga hydroelectric dam lest it flood the lands of a Finno-Ugric people and lead to the destruction that group’s language and culture.

Although various ethnic and ecological groups have spoken out against RusHydro’s plans to raise the water level behind the Cheboksary Hydroelectric Dam by three meters in order to increase power production,

Festival in the village of Sudnozero

On August 27, festival in the village of Sudnozero has invited guests from Kostomuksha, village of Voknavolok and different towns of Finland. The outdoor fête was called to celebrate the Day of the Village, folklore ensembles Karelskaya Gornitsa and Martty sang songs and danced in a ring.

There is an old tradition to slaughter a ram for the festival. Since distant centuries this sacrifice is made for good and health of relatives. In old times only men were allowed to the pan.