"Finnish 'sisu' -- grit and determination -- helped build Copper Country," said Dianda. "Finnish immigrants went to work in U.P. mines and helped make Michigan the world’s largest provider of copper for decades. Their work ethic, their strong cultural heritage and their belief in the value of a good education have created strong communities throughout District 110; and I’m pleased that my House colleagues have recognized these contributions by approving my resolution."
Dianda will present the resolution to community leaders at Hancock’s Heikinpäivä, the annual mid-winter celebration of Finnish ethnic identity and culture that marks the midpoint of the winter season. Hancock is also the home of the only institution of higher education founded by Finns in the United States, Finlandia University.
"It’s not at all surprising that Finnish immigrants founded Finlandia University, as Finland is known for its excellent system of education that follows children from their first days in school and prepares them for either the university or training for a good-paying skilled trade job," said Dianda. "We would do well to study their system and adapt their ideas to improve our public education system so we do a better job of preparing our students for college or meaningful careers in the trades."
Dianda invites his downstate friends to visit Hancock and enjoy Heikinpäivä 2017. Click here for the schedule of activities this week.
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