Riddu Riđđu and the Centre for Northern Peoples present the Buošši Prize during this year's Riddu Riđđu festival. The Buošši Prize is a cultural prize awarded to individuals, teams or organisations that have made a positive contribution to highlighting the Sea Sami language and culture, either through their work or by being a role model.
The award organisers are now asking the public for suggestions for award recipients. The person or persons must have a connection to Nord-Troms: Kåfjord, Storfjord, Lyngen, Nordreisa, Kvænangen or Karlsøy. In North Troms, buošši is a gender-neutral term of honour for a person who is eager, hard-working, fearless and courageous.
Proposals with justification should be sent no later than 1 June to buossi@riddu.no.
Sajje Solbakk, Festival Director of Riddu Riđđu festivála, is proud to announce the Sea Sami Award for the second time: - It feels good to present the Buošši Award! We know of many people who deserve to be honoured for the way they make the Sea Sami language and culture visible, and there's something special about being honoured by your own people. We're excited to receive suggestions from the public, and hope for a wide range of nominations!
Svein O. Leiros, CEO of the Centre for Northern Peoples, is also looking forward to honouring important cultural players in the region: "It's great that we're awarding this year's buošši again. Honouring the Sea Sami in our region who have contributed to lifting and promoting our Sea Sami identity, culture and language is incredibly important and not least very enjoyable. As general manager of the Centre for Northern Peoples, I'm also very happy that we have a new collaboration with Riddu Riddu.
Last year's winner of the Sea Sami Honour Award was Bjørg Fossli from Manndalen in Kåfjord. The jury particularly emphasised Bjørg's efforts as a language carrier and her commitment and efforts for the Sea Sami home municipality. As the award winner herself said during the award ceremony; “What else are you supposed to do? Sit at home and knit?».