480 participants and over 50 events: Lávdan Sámi Arena proves itself a success

News

19 Jun

Over 480 participants gathered for the first ever Lávdan Sámi Arena, with over 50 events taking place across the Lávdan-program, KulturSápmi and DutkanSápmi-Dieđavahkku. A week of learning and building connections across sectors, fields and state borders proved itself a successful and necessary meeting place.

Photo: Saami Council / Piera Heaika Muotka

Per Olof Nutti, President of the Saami Council
Photo: Saami Council / Piera Heaika Muotka

“Lávdan means to be gathered, but spread out over a protected area, and where you are allowed to fulfill your own needs. This is the spirit that has been present this week, with different events taking place all over Guovdageaidnu.” Says President of the Saami Council, Per Olof Nutti.

Over 50 events have been arranged, in addition to KulturSápmi and DutkanSápmi-Dieđavahkku, that have been organised by different organisations and institutions. Lávdan Sámi Arena gathered 24 collaborators to host sessions, panels and debates. Through their contribution, important topics such as health, gender, Indigenous rights, and security have been raised during Lávdan Sámi Arena. There was also an extensive cultural programme, showcasing the variety of Sámi cultural expressions and different Sámi areas.

Special thanks are given to Sámi Allaskuvla for their collaboration on DutkanSápmi-Dieđavahkku, and to Beaivváš for hosting this year’s KulturSápmi.

“The engagement from participants shows that meeting places where Sámi society can meet across fields and state borders are needed. The issues that affect one sector are often present in other sectors as well, or on other sides of the borders. Lávdan Sámi Arena has offered a space for dialogue and discussions that break down these barriers.” concludes Nutti.