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Use of cultural symbols cause problems
Problems have arisen between the Saami Peoples and Finnish tourism industry over the sue of traditional Saami cultural symbols . Tourist organisations use Saami icons.
The Saami Council had a meeting and passed a resolution calling for a ban on improper or demeaning use of their symbols. They want the Finnish government to require permits for any tourist organisation using a Saami icon.
The Saami protest agains the misuse of, for instance, their traditional dress, as the Finnish tourist industry was using Saami dress to add colour to their tours and in their promotions and ads for tourism without consent.
The Saami Council is preparing a new approval system under which any Saami cultural symbol would have to be approved by the council on heraldry before it can be used by any outside group.
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Te Papa Whale exhibition in Washington, DC