It is a very exciting challenge to be part of building and shaping an important institution for the people of the North, the indigenous people, and not least the Sámi population with a connection to the sea in the North, says Svein Oddvar Leiros, who has been appointed as the new general manager for Davvi álbmogiid guovddáš / Centre for Northern Peoples.
Leiros is a well-known figure locally and regionally, having served as mayor of Kåfjord municipality and a member of the county council for many years. Starting on March 1st, he will take up the position of general manager, initially on a two-year contract. As manager, he will have daily responsibility for the centre's operations and will help to promote the centre and Sámi culture and community life in the public sphere.
"I am extremely pleased to have Svein on board. He has solid experience and the best references. With Svein, we gain someone who knows the centre well, who has a large network, and who knows and is rooted in the coastal Sámi and local community life. I am confident that Svein will be a good leader for the staff at the centre. He will work to promote the centre and the issues that are important to it, and contribute to working locally, regionally, and nationally on coastal Sámi issues," says Chairman Torjer A. Olsen.
Leiros says he is very much looking forward to taking up the position as head of the Centre for Northern Peoples.
The centre plays an important role regionally, nationally, and not least internationally in promoting and highlighting Sami language, culture, and industry, with a particular focus on our sea Sami identity. We are a people of three peoples, Sami, Kven, and Norwegian, and together we can succeed in developing our region. Therefore, cooperation with the other Sami centres and the Halti community in Nordreisa will also be a very important part of future societal development. I also look forward to working with many skilled employees at the centre, who possess a very high level of competence. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity, and it is together that we can become strong, says Leiros.