{"id":50988,"date":"2026-06-17T14:00:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senterfornordligefolk.no\/?p=50988"},"modified":"2026-06-17T15:02:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T15:02:52","slug":"kongens-fortjenstmedalje-til-havard-larsen-en-storslatt-feiring-av-en-bauta-innen-sjosamisk-duodji","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senterfornordligefolk.no\/en\/kongens-fortjenstmedalje-til-havard-larsen-en-storslatt-feiring-av-en-bauta-innen-sjosamisk-duodji\/","title":{"rendered":"The King's Medal of Merit for H\u00e5vard Larsen: A grand celebration of a pillar of sea S\u00e1mi duodji"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saturday 13th June 2026 became a historic and memorable day at the Centre for Northern Peoples. Despite the forces of nature presenting challenges, H\u00e5vard Larsen was honoured with the King's Medal of Merit for his formidable and lifelong efforts for S\u00e1mi duodji and culture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Museum director Lisa Vangen, Sami reindeer herder H\u00e5vard Larsen, and a visitor at an Open Day at the Centre for Northern Peoples.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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For many years, H\u00e5vard Larsen has made an invaluable contribution to S\u00e1mi duodji and S\u00e1pmi, 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 S\u00e1mi community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dramatic start and spontaneous mini-concert<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wait was nevertheless very pleasant for those attending. The audience had extra time to admire the wonderful exhibition \u2013 H\u00e5vard Larsen, A Life as a Duoj\u00e1r, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speeches and tributes from home and abroad<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once H\u00e5vard 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n