The Most Important Source of Support for Finnish Culture in the United States

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Did you know...

...that Finlandia Foundation National now has a retail store?

With the closing of Finlandia University earlier this year, FFN acquired the Finnish American Heritage Center and many historical and cultural assets in Hancock, Michigan, including the North Wind Books store.

This shop is a source for books about the region as well as imported items.

Click below for a brief video about this hidden gem.

Hyvää Joulua ja 

Onnellista Uutta Vuotta!

One of my favorite days of the year is January 1.

The first day of the first month of the new year is truly something special. It is a time for reflection. It is also a time to look forward. To make resolutions. To set goals.

This is exactly what we are doing at Finlandia Foundation National. The coming year promises to be even more transformational.

But 2023 is not over yet!

We still have goals to meet. We are racing toward the finish line in our effort to raise $3 million dollars for Saving Finland in America.

With less than two weeks to go, we need to close the $600,000 gap!

Now is the time to contribute to saving and preserving the Finnish American story told in the archives and the living culture of the Finnish American Heritage Center, Folk School, Finlandia Art Gallery, Finnish American Reporter and more.

Together, we have already achieved so much in 2023 and together, we can make 2024 a success.

As I reflect on what we have been able to achieve and what we still have ahead of us, I think of a Finnish proverb that says it best:

Eteenpäin sanoi mummo lumessa (literally: Forward, said granny in the snow, meaning, keep going through difficulties with determination).

That is what we have done for the past 70 years and what we plan to do for the next many decades!

From Finlandia Foundation National to all of you—Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! May it be filled with health and prosperity.

We hope to talk to many of you in the coming months as we continue to grow and transform as an organization—the most important source of support for Finland in the U.S.

Sincerely,

Tommy Flanagan

Executive Director

[email protected]

Help us across the "Finnish line!"

With your gift we can reach our goal of

$3 million by the end of 2023

The Triangle Finnish Association is the newest organization to affiliate with Finlandia Foundation National, bringing the total number of FFN chapters to 60, which are spread across 25 states and Washington, D.C. Located in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, it is the first FFN chapter from North Carolina.

TFA is an active social/cultural club of about 100 Finns, Finnish-Americans, and friends of Finland that fosters fellowship among the Finnish community and promotes an interest in Finland and the Finnish culture in the broader Triangle area of North Carolina.

The club began informally in 1980 when Annikki Giggins gathered fellow Finns in the Raleigh area for a Finnish Independence Day celebration in her home. Those December gatherings continued to grow each year. The club became formalized in 1991, when the name Triangle Finnish Association was adopted.

Members get together for holidays or special occasions like Finland's Independence Day, laskiainen, juhannus, vappu and a piirakka party (pictured above). Through participation in the annual Raleigh International Festival, with its large attendance, members introduce the broader community to Finnish traditions and customs. The Finnish booths at the festival have featured presentations on juhannus, name day traditions, Christmas customs in the land of joulupukki, and the wonders of the sauna---including construction of a full-scale sauna in the Raleigh Civic Center. 

Thomas Dunder is president of the group, and a dedicated board manages administrative aspects and ensures its smooth functioning, from bookkeeping to event planning. Learn more about TFA at trifinn.org.

SOIVA MUSIC CAMP SET FOR 2024

Let’s create music together! Finlandia Foundation National, in partnership with the Global Music Program at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, will conduct its Soiva Music Camp

July 15-21 in the Pacific Northwest. 

Soiva means “sounding forth.” A joyful noise!

Young people ages 12-17, who are musicians of any genre and skill level, are invited to join us for a week of creativity and music-making. No previous musical experience is required, and each member of the group will be able to participate in their own way, whether or not they have experience playing a musical instrument.

Creativity, Connection, Collaboration and Co-creation

The Global Music Program at the Sibelius Academy draws from the practices of global pedagogy, which is an immersive way of music making and experiencing music. This summer camp promotes connection and collaboration across cultures. We will draw upon the wealth of traditional stories and songs from Finland, America and elsewhere, as we source inspiration for the creation of new music together. All voices are valued!

Swimming, S’mores, and More

Soiva Camp 2024 will be held at Gwinwood Retreat Center in Lacey, WA, just outside of Olympia. This lakeside locale provides the quintessential summer camp experience with outdoor activities, music and stories by the campfire, impromptu performances at the outdoor amphitheater and cabin accommodations. Students will at all times be under adult supervision by Soiva staff including instructors, camp director and camp counselors.

A day might include fun musical games and creative exercises; opportunities to play different instruments and make music with your body; learning music from Finland and other diverse global music traditions; improvising and co-creating; opportunities for one-on-one musical guidance and feedback; and outdoor activities and adventures

Performance for Family & Friends

On the final day of camp, we will head to the National Nordic Museum in Seattle for a performance to showcase the music we’ve learned and created during the week. This event will be free and open to the public.

Tuition

Soiva Camp 2024 tuition is $1,500. This includes local ground transportation to and from the camp center (optional); seven days and six nights lodging (shared single-gender cabin rooms with bunk beds); 18 meals plus snacks; instruction; recreation and activities; and the option of one private, 30-minute lesson.

For more information, contact [email protected]. Sign-ups will begin at the end of January; watch for details!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

December 31: Still time to give to Saving Finland in America 2023; click here

2024

January 17: Grant application deadline; click here

January 23: Virtual Joint Chapter Meeting

February 1: Scholarship application deadline; click here

February 1: Lindfors Law Scholarship application deadline; click here

February 18-24: National Sauna Week; click here

July 15-21: Soiva Music Camp; watch for details

July 25-28: FinnFest USA 2024 in Duluth; click here

In honor of Finland's Independence Day on December 6, FFN Executive Director Tommy Flanagan delivered a recorded greeting for those gathered at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan for the 106th annual celebration. Watch it here:

Your contributions make FFN programs possible. Your contribution to FFN is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Paloheimo Foundation (up to $100,000 annually).

Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your donation is tax deductible.

Please make your year-end gift today.

Thank You!

Kiitos!

Tack!