October is Kindred Peoples Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions and connections of Finno-Ugric peoples. This year, the Estonian National Museum (ERM) is extending the celebrations beyond Estonia, taking part in the SUGRIFEST programme in Finland through exhibitions, publications and cultural events
As part of this Estonian–Finnish cultural cooperation, ERM is introducing the cultures and traditions of Finno-Ugric peoples to audiences in Finland, encouraging dialogue and strengthening connections between kindred peoples.
Same Forests, Many Peoples – a new short film
To mark Kindred Peoples Month, ERM has also released a new short film, Samad metsad, mitu rahvast (Same Forests, Many Peoples). The film draws attention to the connections between Finno-Ugric peoples and their shared cultural heritage, inviting viewers to reflect on what brings these communities together while appreciating their distinct identities and traditions. Available in Estonian, Finnish and English, the film offers an accessible introduction to the world of kindred peoples.
Watch Same Forests, Many Peoples on ERM’s YouTube channel.
Exhibitions, lectures and cultural encounters
On 14 October, Jaanus Vaiksoo, editor-in-chief of the Estonian magazine Eesti Jahimees, delivered a public lecture titled The Hunter in a Changing World at the Finnish Wilderness Heritage Museum in Riihimäki.
The lecture was part of the accompanying programme of ERM’s travelling exhibition Peoples of the Northern Forests, organised in cooperation with the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki.
On 17 October, the celebrations continued at the Liszt Institute with Kindred Peoples Day: Songs and Sounds, an event dedicated to music, cultural heritage and discussions.
During the event, ERM researcher Indrek Jääts introduced the museum’s new publication Echo of the Urals. The book provides an overview of the Finno-Ugric and Samoyedic peoples, offering insights into their diverse yet interconnected cultures, traditions and ways of life. ERM exhibition producer Kristjan Raba also presented the travelling exhibition Peoples of the Northern Forests.
The exhibition remains on display at the Finnish Wilderness Heritage Museum in Riihimäki until 28 February 2027, inviting visitors to discover the lives and cultural heritage of northern Finno-Ugric peoples.
ERM’s activities in Finland will continue with participation in the upcoming Mardilaat Fair in Helsinki, bringing Estonian culture and heritage to an even wider audience.
Celebrating Kindred Peoples Month in Tartu
Alongside its international activities, the Estonian National Museum continues its annual Kindred Peoples Month celebrations at home in Tartu. Throughout October, visitors can explore the cultural heritage of Finno-Ugric peoples through a special programme of events and activities.
Discover the Kindred Peoples Month programme at ERM.
