In the Copper Country, we’re never truly finished with being Finnish, and that’s evidenced by the lineup of enrichment classes offered by Finlandia University’s Finnish American Heritage Center.

Programming for the winter semester gets under way this month. Wednesday, Feb. 26 is the first day of a 9-week Beginning Finnish language class. Instructor Tiina Sakari will lead the weekly lessons, which will meet on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at the Heritage Center. This class, which costs $50 per student, will introduce students to the basics of the Finnish language, including pronunciation and simple grammar, some useful phrases, and some brief discussion of Finnish culture. This class is designed for people with little or no experience with the Finnish language. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged, though walk-in registrants will be accepted as class space permits. To sign up for beginning Finnish, call (906) 487-7549.

Instructor Sakari will also offer a second-level Finnish language class for students who’ve successful completed the beginning class and are looking to expand their understanding of the language. This class would meet on Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Finnish American Heritage Center. This class, which will cost $50 per student, will include more specific language instruction and will be offered only if at least five students with sincere interest in developing further skills with the Finnish language are registered by Monday, Feb. 24. To register for the second-level Finnish class, call (906) 487-7549.

It’s not all talk at the FAHC this semester, though. Local fiber artist Phyllis Fredendall will lead a three-session course in inkle weaving, beginning on Wednesday, March 11. The class will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on three consecutive Wednesdays. In this course students will learn the skills to design and craft their own woven band, which can be used as a wardrobe accessory or as a strap for a purse or other bag. Looms and materials will be provided; students are advised to bring their own scissors. Class size is limited, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged. Cost is $60 per student. To register, call, (906) 487-7549.

There will be programming for the youngest patrons this winter, as well. The Pikku Kivajat (Little Finnish Folk Dancers) will meet on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 20 at 3:45 p.m. This group will meet for four weeks – not consecutively – and is open to boys and girls in kindergarten, first grade and/or second grade. Participants will have at least two performance opportunities, and costumes will be provided for those events. Registration is only $10 per family, and can be made by calling Kivajat director Kay Seppala at (906) 523-6271.

The Finnish American Heritage Center’s mission is to preserve and promote Finnish-American and Finnish culture in North America. Along with community enrichment courses, the FAHC offers a monthly Nordic Film Series, numerous special events, and is home to the Finnish American Historical Archive and Museum and the Finnish American Reporter newspaper, as well as the Finnish American Folk School. For more information about the FAHC and all that it has to offer, visit the Center at 435 Quincy Street in Hancock, or call (906) 487-7302.