Each year, the Finnish Theme Committee selects one person whose work toward preserving and promoting Finnish culture in the area goes above and beyond "normal" efforts. That person is the festival's "Hankooki Heikki" and presides over the festivities, wearing the crown and robe that come with the honor. The first two Heikki honorees, however, did not appear in costume.Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate for Hankooki Heikki. Send the Finnish Theme Committee your nomination by clicking here. Be sure to include the person's full name and why you believe they should be Hankooki Heikki.Past years' Heikkis include:
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Kay Seppälä — 2009
Most recognized for her efforts leading the youth dance group Kivajat, Kay Seppälä is one of Finnish America's most active promoters in the Copper Country. A native of Ontonagon now living in Chassell, Kay also offers kantele lessons on both 5 and 10 string instruments, and has taught dance for adults with her husband, Hal. The Kivajat are planning to travel to Finland in the summer of 2009. |
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Oren Tikkanen — 2008
Well known to folk music enthusiasts around Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Oren Tikkanen has played a key role in countless concerts and other Finnish and Finnish-American musical endeavors. Not only does he play with numerous area bands, he's also teaching his skills to Kelly Suvanto through a Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant. Tikkanen also finds time to write columns and articles about Finnish and Finnish American music, as well as poetry |
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Mary (Biekkola) Wright and Rick Kauppila — 2007
Community artist Mary Wright created perhaps the most visible aspect of Heikinpäivä 2007 with the colorful mittens that lined Hancock's streets. That project is one of several that Wright led in recent years. The project would not have been possible, however, if not for the skill and generosity of Rick Kauppila, who crafted the stands for each mitten. |
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The Kurttis — 2006
Painesdale residents Debbie and Jim Kurtti have long been leaders in the Copper Country's Finnish community. Jim is involved with numerous Finnish and Finnish-American organizations. He is the editor of "The Finnish American Reporter" and director of the Finnish American Heritage Center and Historical Archive. Debbie, while not as immersed on an official sense, has become nearly as recognizable for her regular participation and assistance at Finnish-themed events in the area. Her Finnish creations in the kitchen are frequently a hit at events. |
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(1921-2005)
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A lifelong Chassell resident who has played at countless dances and Finnish-American events around the Midwest, including an appearance on stage with Garrison Keillor in Minneapolis. He has also taught his Finnish-style fiddling to Kelly Suvanto through a Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant. Sadly, Ed passed away in November 2005.
Longtime proprietor of FinPro store in Hancock, former Finnish language teacher at Finlandia University.
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President of Finlandia University, Honorary Consul of Finland for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Carl Pellonpää — 2002
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Host of WLUC-TV6's Finland Calling for more than 40 years. Frequently hosts "Suomi Kutsuu" dances in communities across Upper Michigan.
Seppo Mäkinen — 2001
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Architect who specializes in snowhouse (lumitalo) construction. Helped create first-ever snowhouses in Michigan's Copper Country, believed to be the first in the U.S.
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Hancock elementary school teacher who was one of the driving forces behind the Hancock school system becoming the first to offer Finnish for credit as part of its curriculum.
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(1923-2004)
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Retired Lutheran pastor and Archivist Emeritus at Finlandia University. Olaf remained active with the archives well into retirement, and was frequently interviewed by scholars and researchers about his many life experiences. Sadly, Olaf passed away in December 2004.
Katherine Heideman — 1998
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(1910-2003)
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Longtime Hancock City councilwoman who worked tirelessly to encourage the council to promote the city's prominent Finnish heritage. Sadly, Katherine passed away in June 2003.
