Ella Sarre was born in Ivalo during the war in 1943 to Sammeli Antti Sarre (Anttii-Mat Saammâl) and Saara-Maria Sarre (formerly Saijets). Ella spent her childhood at Kessivuono in Eastern Inari. Nowadays Ella Sarre lives and works in Nellim, Inari.

Ella Sarre is one of the few Inari Sámi artisans. She has taught Sámi handicraft at the Sámi Regional Course Centre and in courses arranged by the Inari Folk Institute. She has also gathered information and images related to the Inari Sámi handicraft traditions. She believes that it is important to pass on Inari Sámi handicraft lore to future generations and develop according to their needs. Ella Sarre is actively doing her share to transfer this tradition to younger artisans.

Ella Sarre has been actively engaged in preserving her culture and language. She has worked e.g. as a journalist since the beginning of Sámi Radio Inari Sámi transmissions, ensuring their continuation, as well as serving as the first vice chairman of the board of Anarâškielâ servi Co. at the time of its foundation in 1987.


Mervi Haavisto