– This is the third project in Norway to adopt the technology with audio boxes, and is thus an innovative project, said the Mayor of Kåfjord, Bernt Lyngstad, in his speech when the cultural trail in Čáhput / Svartskogen was opened on Thursday.
Torun Olsen Wernberg Avenue
Counsellor of the Sámi Parliament, Henrik Olsen, and Mayor Bernt Lyngstad were on hand to unveil two of the signs in Čáhput when the cultural trail was opened on Thursday. Among those present were pupils from Manndalen school, who, despite a biting cold autumn wind, walked a kilometre up the valley to listen to the newly installed sound boxes.
– It is a pleasure for me to open this cultural trail. The Sámi Parliament thinks it is very good that the Centre for Northern Peoples highlights important stories about Svartskogen, said Sámi Parliamentarian Henrik Olsen, in his opening speech.
He believes the project helps to showcase our Sami language and culture in a good way. It is particularly pleasing that the opening is taking place when we are celebrating the UN's International Year of Indigenous Languages and Sami Language Week.
Many stories, both well-known and unknown, are linked to this magnificent hiking area. The area is the first place in Norway where villagers have collectively gained ownership rights, and the well-known Baalsrudhula is located here. In addition, there are tales and place names connected to usage, tradition, and belief.
The content on the signs and in the audio boxes is presented in Sami, Norwegian, and English.
– The cultural trail is intended to strengthen the use of the Sami language, both through the signage of Sami place names and by having the stories also in Sami. The trail is an offer that should promote local use of the area and strengthen knowledge of one's own history, while also aiming to promote tourism, said Mayor Bernt Lyngstad.
The project has been initiated by the Centre for Northern Peoples in cooperation with the Sámi Parliament, Čáhput Siida, the Sámi Language Centre and the North Troms Museum. The project is mainly funded by the Sámi Parliament through cultural heritage funds. Tor Mikalsen from Manndalen has been the project manager.
See pictures from the opening
