What a week – Giellavahkku 2025!

Giellavahkku has come to an end for this year, and what a beautiful week it has been!
This year’s program was packed with events – both here at the Center for Northern Peoples and throughout the municipality. With author visits, theatre performances, concerts, film screenings, and much more, the week was filled with both laughter and reflection, learning and inspiration.

The local schools were especially engaged in this year’s Giellavahkku, and there were activities taking place all across the municipality. We’ve had the pleasure of sharing their experiences and joy, which we will carry with us in our continued work.
If you’d like a glimpse into this year’s Giellavahkku, here’s a brief summary of the week’s highlights.

A week filled with language, culture, and meaningful encounters between people.

The week began here at the Center for Northern Peoples with a visit from pupils from Hatteng Middle School and the 7th grade at Skibotn School. The students explored the museum exhibitions, learning about Sea Sámi history and beliefs together with Siri Mari from the Center for Northern Peoples and Tania from Nord-Troms Museum. They also created their own constellation with Jorunn from Giellasiida and rounded off the visit with an atmospheric storytelling session in the traditional lávvu with Isak Anta from the Center for Northern Peoples.

Tuesday offered a rich theatrical experience with Beaivváš Sámi Našunálateáhter, who performed Sámi Bucketlistu. The performance sparked plenty of laughter – but also thoughtful reflection – as it explored themes such as “what it means to be Sámi” and the relationship between DNA and identity.

Wednesday was full of pleasant surprises. The day began with a short film screening organized by Riddu Riđđu, followed by an engaging evening panel discussion with author Jens-Ivar Nergård, Øyvind Rundberg, Henrik Olsen, and Anita Lervoll. The discussion centered on Reconciliation with Lost Time – also the title of Jens-Ivar’s latest book.

Thursday’s events took place in Olderdalen, where audiences enjoyed an inspiring lecture on Idar Kristiansen by John Gustavsen, followed by fascinating conversations on The Fisher-Farmer and the Sea Sámi, led by Odd Sivertsen and John Gustavsen.

Friday was a quieter day with open exhibitions at the Center for Northern Peoples, before Saturday wrapped up the week with both a market and a concert.
At Løkvollen by Verddesiida, the market was bustling with everything from berries and local treats to warm wool mittens for eager visitors. The café and the lavvu became natural gathering places for good conversations and a cozy atmosphere.

Later that evening, Giellavahkku concluded with an energetic and powerful concert at Davás, where Giellasiida had invited Sámi rappers Áilu Valle and Amoc to perform.

All in all, it was a truly successful Giellavahkku!
We at the Center for Northern Peoples would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the week so rich and memorable – Nord-Troms Museum, Giellasiida, Troms County Council, Kåfjord Municipality, the Sámi Parliament, Kåfjord Library, Riddu Riđđu, and of course all the schools that took part.

Ollu giitu – thank you so much!
May Giellavahkku 2026 be just as wonderful – if not even better – than this year’s!