U.P. Finnish Interests Forum April 12
HANCOCK – For a few years now, Jim Kurtti has felt that the greater Finnish-American community of the U.P. and bordering areas could benefit from increased cooperation among those involved in Finnish culture, heritage, and language activities.
In polling numerous people across the Upper Peninsula, Kurtti, director of the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, found that many others feel the same way.
“There is sufficient interest in having a gathering of people representing Finnish interests – organizations, groups, and individuals – to explore areas where cooperation and networking might strengthen what we offer the Finnish-American community,” Kurtti says.
To this end, the Finnish American Heritage Center and the City of Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee, a Finlandia Foundation chapter, have organized this first-ever forum.
The gathering will take place April 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Finlandia’s Finnish American Heritage Center.
“The central goal is to discuss areas of cooperation,” Kurtti explains. “We have also invited people to participate in two panel discussions to explore concrete scenarios where our common interests may serve the greater good.”
The brief panel discussions will address Finnish language curriculum in Upper Peninsula schools and discuss ways to make it easier for performers, lecturers, and researchers to find their way to, and around, the U.P.
Other activities will include a presentation by Kurtti titled, “Start at the Beginning – Web Page, Listserve & That Modern Stuff,” lunch compliments of the Finnish Theme Committee, and a wrap-up discussion.
The event is free and open to the public. To assist the meal hosts, RSVPs are appreciated. For more information, please call Kurtti at 906-487-7302 or james.kurtti@finlandia.edu.
