In teaching, we encourage our students to use their stories as a means of analysing their experiences. Storytelling is an important part of the Sámi heritage and other indigenous heritages. Therefore, it is a fascinating resource for learning. In this article, we examine how effective this tool is and how it enables learning by creating a Sámi learning environment, or searvelatnja 'a shared room'. We also look at how storytelling can contribute to self-esteem, analytical cultural understanding and reflective skills. We highlight the enhancement of cultural sensitivity and analytic thought as central elements in the continuation of building and upholding democratic societies.