Skolts

Who are the Skolts?

The Skolts are one of the Sámi peoples, indigenous to the border regions of Finland, Russia, and Norway. They are closely linked by their shared language, Skolt Sámi, and their distinct traditions. Unlike most other Sámi groups, the Skolts are traditionally Eastern Orthodox Christians. Their identity is shaped by their history in the Kola Peninsula and surrounding areas, and by the challenges of maintaining their culture across national borders.

Where do the Skolts live?

The Skolts' homeland covers the Kola Peninsula and the adjacent Fenno-Scandinavian mainland. Today, most Skolts live in the Finnish villages of Sevettijärvi, Keväjärvi, and Nellim (in Inari), as well as in parts of Murmansk Oblast, Russia, and in Neiden, Norway. The land is marked by forests, rivers, and lakes, supporting traditional activities such as fishing and reindeer herding.

What language do the Skolts speak?

The Skolts speak Skolt Sámi, a Uralic language distinct within the Sámi family. Only about 400 Skolts are fluent speakers today, and most also speak Finnish, Russian, or Norwegian. The language is considered endangered, with efforts underway to support its use and transmission to younger generations.

How do the Skolts live?

Traditionally, the Skolts lived by reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting, making use of the forests and waterways of their homeland. These activities shaped their seasonal movements and social life. Today, while some Skolts continue these practices, many have adapted to new livelihoods, especially after resettlements and border changes in the 20th century.

How is Skolts society organised?

Skolt society has long been organized around extended families and local communities. Decisions are often made collectively, with elders playing a respected role. Marriage and kinship ties help maintain connections between families across borders. The community values the preservation of their language, customs, and Orthodox Christian faith.

What do the Skolts believe?

Most Skolts are members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, a tradition dating to their conversion in the 16th century by Saint Tryphon of Pechenga. Religious festivals and rituals remain important in community life. The Skolts also maintain cultural practices in music, crafts, and dress, reflecting both Sámi and Orthodox influences.

The history of the Skolts

The Skolt homeland was divided by the Treaty of Tartu in 1920, splitting their territory between Finland and the Soviet Union. This border disrupted traditional ways of life. After World War II, further territorial losses forced many Skolts to resettle in Finland. These upheavals led to a decline in traditional livelihoods and a dispersal of the population, but the Skolts have worked to maintain their identity and community ties.

Skolts life today

Today, the Skolt population is about 1,250, with most living in Finland. Only a minority still speak Skolt Sámi fluently. The community faces challenges in preserving their language and culture, but there are active efforts to support cultural revival and education. The Skolts continue to assert their identity as an indigenous people of the borderlands.

Questions people ask about the Skolts

Sources and further reading

• Skolts on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Skolts themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.