The King's Medal of Merit for Håvard Larsen: A grand celebration of a pillar of sea Sámi duodji

17 June 2026

Saturday 13th June 2026 became a historic and memorable day at the Centre for Northern Peoples. Despite the forces of nature presenting challenges, Håvard Larsen was honoured with the King's Medal of Merit for his formidable and lifelong efforts for Sámi duodji and culture.

Museum director Lisa Vangen, Sami reindeer herder Håvard Larsen, and a visitor at an Open Day at the Centre for Northern Peoples.

For many years, Håvard Larsen has made an invaluable contribution to Sámi duodji and Sápmi, both nationally and internationally. The awarding of the King's Medal of Merit is held in very high esteem, and is a well-deserved recognition of his great commitment, dedication, and position as a driving force in the Sámi community.

Dramatic start and spontaneous mini-concert

It is well known that up north, one must work with nature, and this Saturday was no exception. A landslide just before the tunnel entrance meant the event had to be postponed for a small hour. It was, of course, entirely appropriate to wait for the guest of honour himself, as well as the last guests who were arriving by ferry.

The wait was nevertheless very pleasant for those attending. The audience had extra time to admire the wonderful exhibition – Håvard Larsen, A Life as a Duojár, and the artist Maret Aile Gaup Beaska surprised with a spontaneous mini-concert while people waited. Later, during the ceremony itself, she also contributed with a beautiful artistic performance consisting of self-composed songs.

Speeches and tributes from home and abroad

Once Håvard and the guests were finally in place, the solemn ceremony could begin. There was no shortage of fine words from the many speakers who wished to honour the prize-winner. Among those who took the floor during the celebration were:

Svein O. Leiros, General Manager at the Centre for Northern Peoples
Laila Monica Johannessen, mayor of Balsfjord
Kai Petter Johansen, Mayor of Kvænangen
Jon-Christer Mudenia, Council Member
Magnar Andreas Nilssen, head of the main committee for culture and health in Troms county council
Torjer A. Olsen, Chairperson of the Centre for Northern Peoples

On behalf of the County Governor, the Mayor of Balsfjord, Laila M. Johannessen, had the honour of presenting Håvard with the King's Medal of Merit. After the presentation and the pinning of the medal, the guest of honour himself gave a speech, where Håvard gave a touching speech of thanks to the assembly. Also present in the hall were the private collectors who have made it possible for the centre to manage the duodji heritage that Håvard has produced. The media were also well represented and covered the presentation of the prestigious medal.

Rådgiver Håvard Larsen shortly after receiving the King's Medal of Merit.

Folk festival with duodji, stew and cakes

«The »Open Day" with the presentation of Håvard's medal of merit here at the centre had a very good turnout. And can, in other words, be described as a success!

Guests shared personal stories and memories, and several had brought along and proudly displayed beautiful duodji products that Håvard has made over the years.

Traditional stew was served, along with coffee and plenty of cakes. The highlight of the day for many with a sweet tooth was when Håvard himself had the honour of cutting up the very largest marzipan cake.

Person in traditional red-and-black clothing stands with back to camera, facing a computer monitor showing a snowy mountain landscape. — Håvard is opening up for the cake party.

Smiling woman in a bright green dress chats with two men in a gallery, beside a leafless tree sculpture with hanging glass orbs. — Håvard is opening up for the cake party.

Intimate conclusion at Sjøbuene

After the public celebration, the Centre for Northern Peoples invited Håvard and his immediate family to a private, closed event. The celebration took place at the local guesthouse and restaurant Sjøbuene in Manndalen.

During the dinner, Håvard's wife, Gunda, gave a speech filled with loving humour that had the tables roaring with laughter despite the profound seriousness of receiving such an honour.

We at the Centre for Northern Peoples are incredibly proud and happy. Håvard is a true asset that we appreciate infinitely, and we look forward to following his work further. Congratulations on the King's Medal of Merit!

Photo from the event

Two people on a dimly lit stage: a man in a suit receiving a red folder from a woman at a podium while a photographer films the moment with a green mic held nearby. Purple stage curtains in the background.

Father holds a baby as a woman and child look at a museum display case with ancient artifacts in dim lighting on display shelves behind glass.

Would you like to get to know the artistry of duo artist Håvard Larsen better?

I'm working on the new collection for the centre, and of course the exhibition Håvard Larsen - A life as a duojár, Here at the Centre for Northern Peoples, we have written an article and produced new video interviews with and about Håvard Larsen. We have gathered both older and newer archival material here for those of you who wish to take a deep dive into the practice of duojár Håvard Larsen.

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