17 th century

The first inhabitants in Lokka were Lapps, who lived by hunting and fishing. Their winter village was located at Kyläselkä, 25 kilometers from present-day Lokka, close to the Lokka-Tanhua road. The most well known inhabitant at that time was Akmeeli, a Lappish wizard.

Finnish people first came to Sompio at the end of the 17 th century and at the same time the Lapps converted to Christianity. The first church was built in Sodankylä in 1689. The vast wilderness and rich fishing waters saved many lives during the years 1696-7 when there was a famine in Finland.

Independence and school

Finland became independent in 1917 and this had an influence on Lokka too. Most of the young men went to defend the border, but they returned after the situation had calmed down. The 1920's was a period of unrest because the Finnish frontier was not guarded. The most well known inhabitant at that time was Aleksi Hihnavaara, who was also known as Mosku (a sort of local Robin Hood).

A school was built in Lokka in 1931 (picture). There were pupils from four villages, and a hall of residence was located in shopkeeper Säärelä's house. The village was linked to the outside world in 1936, when a car road running through Korvanen to Vuotso was completed.

Devastation and reconstruction

The Second World War also took Sompio's young men away to fight at the front. The front was far away but the village was not safe. On 14th July 1944 a detachment of Russian partizans attacked Lokka and destroyed the village. 21 inhabitants were killed, mostly women and children.

Lokka was burned down twice. First by the Russians and later by the retreating Germans during the Lapland war. During the spring of 1945 people returned to the village and reconstruction began. The new village began to rise of the western bank of the River Luiro. Reindeer husbandry, forestry and fishing were the most important livelihoods.

The reservoir

The reservoir was built in 1967 covering much of Sompio. It covers an area of 417 square kilometers and serves as a waterstore for most of the hydro-electric powerstations on the River Kemi. During the building of the reservoir a service road was built from Tanhua to Lokka, which is still in use today.

Present day

Most of the inhabitants make their living from reindeer husbandry, forestry, fishing etc. The reservoir has proved to be a very good fishing ground and it has made it's own contribution to village life. Tourism also plays an important role in this area. Lokka has many development projects including the Lokka Co-operative Society.

Main