Taina Máret Pieski’s speech at the We Who Remain exhibition opening March 26th 2026

Contemporary Sámi art is experiencing a renaissance and attracting great international interest. I am very pleased that Kiasma accepted our proposal for collaboration and hosting a comprehensive jointexhibition of Sámi contemporary art.

This is the first major exhibition of Sámi contemporary art ever held in Helsinki. It is also deeply significant that the exhibition has been curated by Sámi themselves. Curator Petra Laiti’s concept powerfully weaves together our people’s past and present. 

In Sápmi, the lands and waters are the foundation of the living culture, traditional livelyhoods and sámi languages. These lands and waters are the source of all life for us, the wellspring of our strength and continuity. Yet, across Sápmi, our rights are under threat. We continue to stand and to fight for our rights, so that we may still be here tomorrow.

We Who Remain exhibition is our message—brought to life through the voice of Petra Laiti and the powerful work of remarkable artists. It speaks from lived experience, from memory, and from the present moment.

I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the artists who have chosen to be part of this exhibition. Your work makes this message visible, tangible, and deeply felt.

We Who Remain exhibition is both a call and a testimony. It calls for recognition, for understanding, and for justice. I sincerely hope that this message will be seen, heard, and carried forward.

I wish all the success for the exhibition!

Ellos sámi dáidda! Ellos Sápmi!