Gávnnadeapmi 3
JUNE 15–18, 2026
This is Gávnnadeapmi 3
Gávnnadeapmi 3 is a big youth gathering which will feature workshops, cultural events, and discussions designed to empower youth in Sápmi and explore issues that matter to you!
The Youth Conference provides a space where youth set their own agenda, develop concrete policy priorities, and directly influence decision-making affecting Sápmi today. The main goal of the meetup is for the youth to work together on a Youth Declaration, where the participants get to decide what the most important issues are that youth are facing in Sápmi today. The declaration will be formally presented at the 23rd Sámi Conference, which follows immediately after the youth gathering.
Registration is closed
The conference programme and all updated information can be found here.
There is limited capacity in the Youth Conference. Please note that registration is binding. If you need to cancel your participation, please get in touch with us. Travel, lunches, dinners, and accommodation at Gávnnadeapmi 3 are fully covered by the Saami Council.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask: janne.hirvasvuopio@saamicouncil.net
The Youth Conference will be followed by the 23rd Saami Conference (18.6.-21.6.2026). The Saami Conference is open to everyone, but please be aware that accommodation and meals will only be covered for Saami Conference delegates and the Youth Statement Working Group.
In short
Where: Ohcejohka / Utsjoki
Location: Utsjoentie 48a, 99980 Utsjoki
When: 15.6-18.6.2026 (Arrival 14.6, Departure 18.6.)
Who: Youth aged 18–35
Travel, lunches, dinners, and accommodation are fully covered.
Activities
Programme
The programme combines practical skills, cultural revitalisation, and political engagement. Participants will take part in workshops on Sámi organising, decolonisation, and the revitalisation of siida systems through Siidaskuvla. Cultural activities include duodji, luohti for beginners, njuorastangilvu, a lavvu set-up and lavustallan course, as well as a Katrilli dancing course and evening cultural programming. The gathering will also highlight local context, including connections to the Deatnu area.
The conference programme and all updated information can be found here.
Youth Plenary
A Youth Plenary will be hosted every morning. The purpose of these plenaries is to draft a Youth Statement for the 23rd Sámi Conference and gather everyone together for building up group spirit! This event is compulsory and we will require your signature from this session.
Youth Statement Working Group
A separate working group will steer the drafting of the Youth Statement and will be responsible for advancing the work. The Statement will be presented during the Opening Remarks of the Sámi Conference.
Five people will be selected to steer the Youth Statement in a working group. All accommodation, food, and travel costs will be provided for the Sámi Conference (18.6.-21.6.2026.) for participants in the working group. You will be notified via email if you are selected.
Practical information
-
Date
15.6 - 18.6.2026 (Arrival 14.6, Departure 18.6.)
The Youth Conference will be followed by the 23rd Saami Conference (18.6.-21.6.2026.) The Saami Conference is open to everyone, but please be aware that accommodation and meals will only be covered for Saami Conference delegates and the Youth Statement Working Group. -
Travel
Please plan to arrive at the conference one day earlier, on Sunday 14.6.2026.
The Saami Council will cover reasonable travel costs to the event (car mileage reimbursements / bus tickets / train tickets). We recommend carpooling. Travel tickets will only be reimbursed against receipts and boarding passes without exception. Please contact janne.hirvasvuopio@saamicouncil.net if you need flight tickets. Include your travel plans in the message.
-
Accommodation
Accommodation has been booked from Sunday 14.6. to Thursday 18.6.2026.
Your accommodation will be either on:
1. Camping Lapinkylä. Ringinvatro 14 C, 99980 Utsjoki
2. Hotel Utsjoki, Luossatie 4, 99980 Utsjoki
More information on your accommodation will be given later via email. The Saami Council will cover accommodation for event participants. -
Food
The Saami Council will provide lunches and dinners. Small snacks and coffee will be served in the Youth Plenary every morning.
-
Language
All of the sessions and workshops will be held in English.
-
Location
Where: Around Utsjoentie 48a, 99980 Ohcejohka/Utsjoki
-
Contact
Janne Hirvasvuopio
EU-advisor
Coordinator for Youth Together for Arctic Futures & Sámi Youth Network+358 50 533 7016
janne.hirvasvuopio@saamicouncil.netIf you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!
