work > The Folk Saints Index

St. Maria Sergina (1924–2003) stands as a poignant emblem of cultural preservation & silent resilience. As the last known speaker of the Akkala Sámi language, Sergina's life was a testament to the profound connection between language & identity. Her passing on December 29, 2003, marked the end of an era for the Akkala Sámi, a language once spoken in the Arctic Circle. Sergina's existence bridged centuries of cultural memory, embodying the stories & traditions of her people in a time when their voice was increasingly silenced.