The story behind the establishment of the centre

In 1988, Sami organisations took the initiative to establish a meeting place for Sami culture. After in-depth discussions with various stakeholders in the region, it was agreed to expand Manndalen Bygdehus and develop it into a Sami centre - a natural choice, as the majority of stakeholders in the area had Sami roots.

The plans developed into an ambitious project: to establish a national Sami competence centre under the name Ája Sami Centre BA. In 1993 and 1994, all unit holders transferred their shares to the new centre by resolution of the annual meeting. At the same time, an expansion of the number of shares was carried out, with teams and associations, municipalities and other relevant organisations being invited to buy shares.

A major expansion of the centre was completed in 1995. The new building provided suitable premises for, among other things NRK Sámi Radio, administration for Ája Sami Centre, kitchen department, Riddu Riđđu, Nord-Troms Museum and Sami language centre.

The development had a cost framework of NOK 4.7 million and was financed with funds from Troms County Council, Sami Parliament, Ministry of Culture, Kåfjord municipality and a loan that covered 50 % of the costs.

Developments in 2005 and 2009

A further partial expansion of the Ája Sami Centre was completed in 2005, providing new and larger premises for the Sami Language Centre, a regional Sami library service, the Sami Parliament, the Riddu Riđđu festival and the centre's administration. The NOK 14 million expansion of the centre in 2005 was financed by Troms County Municipality, the Sami Parliament, Kåfjord Municipality and Ája Sami Centre by borrowing NOK 3.5 million. The financing was regarded as a regional boost and was intended to cover acute needs while awaiting full government funding for a comprehensive development.

In 2007, the Ministry of Culture commissioned Statsbygg to expand the centre at a cost of NOK 22 million to provide premises for a Sami museum, library and a small area for dining outside the cultural hall. The expansion was completed in 2011 and was opened during Riddu Riđđu by the Minister of Culture. At the same time, the new Contemporary Museum opened at the centre, which the Sami Parliament has given Sami museum responsibility for North Troms, North Central Troms and Tromsø.

A national mission from 2009

In 2009, the centre changed from being a Sea Sami centre (Ája Sami Centre) to becoming the Centre for Northern Peoples. The centre still has a national Sami mission: to develop and preserve the Sea Sami language and culture. In addition, the centre gained a northern indigenous focus. Since the beginning of the 2000s, Riddu Riđđu has had an annual focus on northern indigenous peoples. The centre has invited an indigenous people from the north and presented them at the festival. The people familiarised us with their music, dance, rituals and other cultural expressions over several days at the festival. Through this focus, it was realised early on that the dissemination of knowledge about northern indigenous peoples should be strengthened and communicated beyond the annual festival. The Ája Sami Centre, which was the physical setting for Riddu Riđđu, was then seen as the natural institution that should and could continue this.

After the restructuring, the centre was given a two-part mission: to help increase understanding of indigenous peoples by disseminating knowledge about northern indigenous peoples, and to strengthen and develop the Sea Sami language, art and culture.