Buoussi Prize 2026
The Centre for Northern Peoples and the Riddu Riđđu festival have, this year as in previous years, awarded a cultural prize named the Buošši Prize. This prize honours individuals, groups, or associations who have made a significant contribution to promoting the Sea Sámi language and culture, whether through their work, their commitment, or by being inspiring role models in their local community.
In Northern Troms, Buošši is a gender-neutral term of respect for a person who is eager, hardworking, fearless, and brave.
The Buošši Award shall encompass the entire Riddu Festival, and for us on the committee, which consists of the Chair of Riddu, Bente Skogvang, the Chair of SFNF, Torjer Olsen, festival director Sajje Solbakk, and general manager of the Centre for Northern Peoples, Svein O. Leiros, the choice for this year's winner was an easy one.
Svein O. Leiros, General Manager of the Centre for Northern Peoples, is proud to be presenting the Sámi sea award for the fifth time:
«We received many good nominations this year too, but it is incredibly wonderful to award the prize to Liv and Øyvind. Liv and Øyvind have done a truly phenomenal job for the Sea Sámi culture, and are very worthy winners of this important prize,» says Leiros.
On the picture: Øyvind and Liv Rundberg Photo: Svein O. Leiros
On Thursday, 9 July, the Buošši Award was presented to Liv and Øyvind Rundberg. They are two important figures for Sámi culture, who for several decades have been central cultural builders in Kåfjord and Sápmi. Among other things, they have served as organists, they have been disseminators of Sámi psalm and song traditions, and they have shared Sámi local history, understanding of nature, knowledge of the sea, and traditional knowledge.
They have not only made Sámi culture visible – they have lived it and passed it on to the next generation. These two are particularly good role models for what "Buošši" means in practice: namely, passion, skill, generosity, and strength in what they convey.