Programs and Events 2009
Great Grandson of Sitting Bull Drew Record Audiences in Finland
June 4-12, 2009
Ernie LaPointe at the SIIDA Museum in Inari
Ernie LaPointe, great grandson of Chief Sitting Bull, visited Finland on June 4-12 to talk about Lakota history and culture and his famous great grandfather, Chief Sitting Bull. Mr. LaPointe visited the SIIDA Museum in Inari, the Arktikum in Rovaniemi, Helsinki City Library and International Cultural Center Caisa in Helsinki. The audience was very interested in Native American issues and asked many questions concerning Native American history and culture and how Native Americans live today. Mr. and Mrs. LaPointe also sang traditional Lakota songs. Mr. LaPointe drew record audiences in every city he visited. He also met with the representative of the Sami Parliament in Inari to discuss the life of indigenous peoples both in Finland and the U.S. His visit was concluded by the opening of “The Life and Times of Sitting Bull” exhibition at the Vapriikki Museum in Tampere. Mr. LaPointe was also interviewed by the national newspaper Helsingin Sanomat as well as regional newspapers Aamulehti and Lapin Kansa. Mr. LaPointe made an appearance on MTV3’s “Huomenta Suomi” morning program. Ernie LaPointe’s visit helped dispel many misconceptions about Native Americans and remind the audience of American diversity. The Sitting Bull exhibition will run at the Vapriikki Museum until November 8, 2009.