The Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture is an international designation awarded annually to a community that actively promotes and preserves the cultural heritage of Finno-Ugric peoples. These include Finns, Estonians, Hungarians, Sámi, and several Indigenous groups across northern Europe and Russia. The title highlights communities that celebrate Uralic languages, traditions, and identities through events, education, and cultural exchange.

Hancock became the first U.S. community ever selected as a Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture due to its deep Finnish-American roots and ongoing cultural programming. The city is home to the Finnish American Heritage Center and Archives (an arm of Finlandia Foundation National), the Finnish American Folk School, the Finnish American Reporter, the Copper Country Finns & Friends, and long-running celebrations like Heikinpäivä and Juhannus. These various organizations and publications aim to preserve language, folklore, music, and traditions brought by Finnish immigrants in the 1800s.

The 2026 designation places Hancock on a global cultural stage. It strengthens international connections with Finno-Ugric communities and supports events that celebrate shared values like sustainability, community resilience, and cultural diversity. Visitors can expect performances, workshops, exhibits, and international guests throughout the year.

As part of the Capital of Culture year, Hancock will host a robust calendar of public events, including:

• Enriched Heikinpäivä and Juhannus celebrations
• Folk school workshops
• Finnish language and music lessons for all ages
• Art and music performances
• Historical and heritage exhibitions at the Finnish American Heritage Center and community centers throughout the Keweenaw

The Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture program is a joint initiative by Estonia’s URALIC Centre and Finland’s Sukukansojen Ystävät ry (Friends of Kindred Peoples). Since 2014, it has aimed to raise awareness of Uralic peoples and languages, promote intercultural dialogue, and support rural cultural development.

• 2014 – Bögö, Russia (Udmurt)
• 2015 – Obinitsa, Estonia (Seto)
• 2016 – Iskaszentgyörgy & Veszprém, Hungary
• 2020 – Abja-Paluoja, Estonia (Mulgimaa)
• 2022 – Kuhmo, Finland
• 2025 – Narva, Estonia
• 2026 – Hancock, Michigan, USA

Hancock’s Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture programming is a collaborative effort led by the City of Hancock in partnership with the Copper Country Finns and Friends, Visit Keweenaw, the Finnish American Heritage Center, and the Finnish American Folk School. Additional support and participation come from a wide range of interested organizations, businesses, and community partners across the Keweenaw who share a commitment to celebrating and preserving Finnish and Finno-Ugric culture.