Last Yoik in Saami Forests (part 6 of 6)

Ohjaajan päivitetty versio google videossa (suomeksi): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4456655809390251694 The Finnish state-owned company Metsähallitus is logging the northernmost ancient forests in areas inhabited by the Saami people. The Finnish state has not been able to prove its legal ownership of these forests. These logging activities cause remarkable harm to reindeer herding by destroying winter grazing areas. The documentary questions the responsibility for Saami culture and northern ecology, but also critically questions what kind of activity is acceptable for these slowly growing northern pine trees. Director Hannu Hyvönen, began working on this documentary in the spring of 2005 when Greenpeace set up a "forest rescue station" in Inari. -One shock for me while making this film for the way of this wood is used. Most of the wood is used for pulp and paper and the most value added-product of old pine stock is used to make railway ties, says Hannu Hyvönen Finnish Prime Minister, Matti Vanhanen was also challenged to give his opinion during the presidential election tour in Ivalo in 2005. When Vanhanen denied giving his own opinion, then director of the Finnish Security Police, SUPO, Seppo Nevala was more open. He accused Greenpeace of being a violent terrorist organisation in public radio interview. -It is frightening that SUPO has twisted the reality of the situation. One would think that the Security Police would be able to search public internet sites to prove who is guilty of violence and terror -- those being the demonstrators in favour of current forestry practices, says Hyvönen. Even if the focus of the film is on Saami issues, the threats of violence for political aims give it a new dimension. -The situation is alarming for the situation of Saami rights and also for the state of Finnish democracy. ---- http://www.elonmerkki.net/en/index Above description abridged