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HELMIKUU / FEBRUARY 2025
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Thomas Flanagan, FFN Executive Director |
Minea Lindqvist Herwitz, FFN Communications Director |
Päivi Tetri, FFN President | |
Finland makes us proud.
Does anyone remember back a little while ago when you mentioned Finland to a non-Finn in this country and they said, "Where's that?" Nowadays, Finland is becoming more well-known, and for good reasons, such as our education system, happiness, and of course, SAUNA!
One of the best gifts Finnish culture can give the world is, in fact, sauna. When we introduce people to this beautiful practice, we are teaching about ways for people to improve their lives. Yes, not everyone likes sweating it out in a hot room, but maybe they have never been shown how it can be done, never been invited in.
We here at Finlandia Foundation National, along with you, our friends, family, and community, are keeping this stove hot, stoking the flames with logs, making sure the sauna stays warm for everyone.
This National Sauna Week, we've gone big. On top of the 9 online sessions with big names in the sauna and sweat bathing world, we've also created a sponsor program to support the work we are collectively doing of bringing the magic and healing of sauna to more and more people in the United States. And what's more, we're building a list of Sauna Partners who are offering discounts to ANYONE who catches wind of it through our communications. So instead of just learning about sauna, more folks will have a chance to experience it.
Here's where we need from you.
Share the magic of sauna with people you care about. Pass along the news of Sauna Week. Welcome folks in like you would into your own sauna. This "Finnish secret" is out. Now it's our responsibility to share it, to preserve it, and to help us all "do it right." This is our heritage, yes, and won't the world be a better place if everyone could have regular sauna access to heal, connect, and rejuvenate?
Thank you for sharing in the warmth of Finnish culture. We wish you a beautiful 2025 National Sauna Week.
See you there!
—Minea Lindqvist Herwitz, Communications Director, and the entire FFN team
Share the sauna love.
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National Sauna Week
Join us starting this Sunday!
February 16-22, 2025
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Register for National Sauna Week sessions
and for a chance to win your own sauna from FinnLeo!
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Sauna Week 2025 – A Celebration of Heat, Culture & Connection
A word from FFN Lecturer of the Year, Eero Kilpi, Chairman of North American Sauna Society, and President of Finlandia Foundation New York Chapter
Fellow sauna lovers, Eero here! It's time to gather on the upper bench! National Sauna Week is back, and this year’s lineup is hotter than ever! Finlandia Foundation's efforts have doubled in size from last year. Whether you’re a lifelong sauna enthusiast or just discovering the magic of löyly, these sessions will deepen your understanding and appreciation of sauna culture, tradition, science, and business.
🔥 Sunday, Feb 16 – Kicking Things Off
I’ll be opening Sauna Week with The Upper Bench on Hot Topics in Sauna. Risto Rice, Sam Wacha and I will be talking about more than just heat—we'll unlock the depth of Finnish sauna (and the multidimensional experience so often missing from the "hot box" often found in the US today). We'll also have a special visit from Eeppi Ursin and Johanna Telander.
🌍 Monday, Feb 17 – Sauna Around the World
We start the day with Risto Elomaa, President of the International Sauna Association, giving us a global perspective on sauna culture. This guy has seen it all. Then, in the evening, we turn to science—Dr. Earric Lee, Dr. Ashley Mason, and Prof. Ant Shepherd will break down the medical and mental benefits of heat. Spoiler alert: sauna is good for your body AND mind!
🤝 Tuesday, Feb 18 – Sauna Diplomacy
What happens in the sauna… might just influence international relations. Riikka Hietajärvi (Embassy of Finland in the U.S.) and Markus Hippi (Embassy of Finland in the U.K.) dive into Sauna Diplomacy Across the Atlantic. This session is all about the power of sauna as a space for dialogue and connection.
💰 Wednesday, Feb 19 – The Business of Sauna & Finnish America
The sauna industry is booming. Justin Juntunen (Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna) and Alan Jalasjää (Kivia Co-Host) will explore the business landscape of sauna in North America. Then, we shift to storytelling with Jim Kurtti and a fantastic panel sharing Sauna Stories from the Copper Country alongside Haley Goodreau, Amanda and Daena Makela, and Barbara Männinen. If you want to know where Finnish America is alive and well, look no further than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
🌍 Thursday, Feb 20 – Sauna’s Historic Roots
Cultural Heritage Specialist Saija Silen takes us on a journey through Europe’s historic Sauna Route, tracing the footprints of sauna culture across the continent. Her work at Jämsä Sauna Village brings old traditions to life in a way that will fascinate any sauna lover.
🌿 Friday, Feb 21 – The Art of Löyly & Vihta
Two experts, Dalva Lamminmäki and Maaria Alén, will guide us through the ritual of the vihta (sauna whisk) and the meaning of löyly. If you think sauna is just about heat, this session will open your eyes to the deeper experience of steam, scent, and spirit.
📖 Saturday, Feb 22 – The Grand Finale
I’ll be back to close Sauna Week with a conversation with Mikkel Aaland, the world’s expert on sweat bathing. He’s explored everything from Finnish saunas to Russian banyas, Japanese mushiburos, and Turkish hamams. If you want to understand sauna in a global context, this is the session for you. We'll also be raffling off a Finnleo sauna!
📅 All sessions are online, free, and open to everyone, so invite your friends. Let’s spread the love of sauna far and wide. Join us and register at NationalSaunaWeek.com.
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How do we balance what is deeply local with what has become global? And how do we innovate without losing the essence of something so ancient? These are the questions we must ask as we continue to share and preserve this rich tradition.
See you on the bench!
– Eero Kilpi
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Get discounted sauna sessions for you and your friends!
Participating sauna establishments include Sauna House, SaunaGlo, Takka Saunas, Unwind, Koti, Albany Sauna, PNW Mobile Sauna, and more.
Visit our website for the discount codes: nationalsaunaweek.com/findasauna
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For the first time ever, Finlandia Foundation has commissioned the creation of two original Sauna Week songs, brought to life by an ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians, including Eeppi Ursin, Ida Metsberg, Ruut DeMeo, Johanna Telander, and Eero Kilpi. This special musical contribution celebrates the essence of sauna culture and adds a new dimension to our annual tradition. We are proud to support these artists and look forward to sharing their work with our community.
Old Wisdom, New Fire by Ida Metsberg and Ruut DeMeo is OUT on Spotify. Listen to it here.
Sauna, the Song by Eeppi Ursin, Johanna Telander, and Eero Kilpi is having its WORLD PREMIERE this Sunday, February 16th and Eero's Sauna Week webinar. Sign up here and don't miss it!
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Heikinpäivä: A Mid-Winter Finnish Festival in Hancock, Michigan in Photos | |
Heikinpäivä, the lively midwinter Finnish-American festival in Hancock, Michigan, brought together a joyful celebration of Finnish heritage and traditions. Finlandia Foundation proudly participated in the parade, marching alongside the community and embracing the festive spirit. With banners held high, the group showcased Finnish pride and even took to the evening dance floor for the polkka, held at the Finnish American Heritage Center. Enjoy the photos linked here, capturing the vibrant moments of Heikinpäivä! | |
ATTENTION CHAPTERS
FFN is accepting Nominations for National Board Seats: its that time of year again when the FFN Nominating Committee accepts nomination recommendations from our chapters. If your chapter has a recommendation, please reach out and submit these names to FFN by March 1, 2025 at office@finlandiafoundation.org
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Finnposium Presents: Iria Leino: An Extraordinary Life
Join us on International Women’s Day for a special Finnposium event honoring the extraordinary Finnish artist Iria Leino. Iria lived an extraordinary life, defying societal norms. She fearlessly carved out her own space to create and dedicate herself entirely to her art. We invite you to meet the team behind the upcoming feature documentary on Iria’s life and legacy. Together, we’ll explore the experiences of a Finn in NYC and the unique journey of a female artist.
This event offers an exclusive opportunity to meet the team behind the upcoming feature documentary exploring Iria’s journey as a Finnish artist in New York City.
Acclaimed actress Laura Birn, known for her award-winning performances in film and television, will portray Iria in the documentary. Director Janna Kyllästinen, a New York-based filmmaker with a passion for storytelling at the intersection of art, myth, and memory, brings this vision to life. Creative producer Kati Aho, a seasoned industry executive with experience in fashion, media, and arts, lends her expertise to the project. The discussion will be moderated by Kati Laakso, Executive Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, whose dedication to preserving Iria’s legacy has been instrumental in this film’s development.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about art, resilience, and the unique experience of being a Finnish artist in NYC.
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Lecture Series by American Swedish Historical Museum
Uncovering John Morton: America’s Finnish Founding Father and His Legacy
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Join us for the New Sweden Legacy Lecture Series, a monthly exploration of the rich history of the New Sweden Colony and its lasting impact. This month's lecture, An Introduction to John Morton: America's Finnish Founding Father, will be presented by historian Jay Smith.
John Morton (1725–1777), a descendant of Finnish and Swedish settlers, played a crucial role in American history as a Pennsylvania delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he cast the decisive vote for independence. Despite his contributions, little is known about his life due to lost records. This lecture will shed light on Morton’s Finnish ancestry, civic career, and historical significance, offering a fresh perspective on a key but often overlooked figure in the American Revolution. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into an important chapter of Finnish-American heritage!
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Learn Finnish This Summer with a Special Finlandia Foundation Discount! | |
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Dreaming of improving your Finnish language skills? Summer University of Jyväskylä is offering immersive Finnish language courses this summer—and thanks to Finlandia Foundation National, you can get an exclusive discount on registration! Level groups range from absolute beginners to advanced learners. The course program includes daily language lessons with professional teachers as well as guided trips and exciting cultural activities in the evenings and weekends.
What? A three-week Intensive Course in Finnish Language and Culture
Where? Jyväskylä, in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland
When? June 30th to July 18th 2025
Special Offer: Use code FINLANDIA100 at checkout to get a 100 € discount!
Don’t miss this chance to connect with Finnish culture, language, and community. Register now and start your journey!
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Jaana Erkkilä-Hill is a Finnish visual artist, researcher, and professor of visual arts at the University of Lapland whose work explores the profound connection between the everyday and the spiritual. Through her more than thirty years of artistic practice, Erkkilä-Hill has mastered printmaking techniques, particularly woodcuts and linocuts, layering color and imagery to reflect the interplay between the visible and invisible. Drawing inspiration from art history, nature, and society, her work philosophically examines the seen and unseen, offering a deeply felt exploration of spiritual and religious experiences that transcend culture, time, and circumstance. Recently, her academic research has focused on artist pedagogy, further enriching her creative practice.
Learn more at: fahc.finlandiafoundation.org/art-gallery/future-exhibits/
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SAVE THE DATE and get your FinnFest tickets now! We are excited to see you there from July 31 – August 3 in Duluth. | |
The frozen, quiet north of our homeland. If you're quiet enough, you may hear the ice sing. Photo of Viherin bridge taken near Joutsa, Finland.
Photo by Riku Kuurne. | |
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Is planned giving in your future?
Join the Finlandia Legacy Society today!
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Our legacy is our people. What’s yours? Learn more about our Finlandia Legacy Society by emailing: office@finlandiafoundation.org | | | | |
