Who should receive the Saami Council’s Honorary Award?
Kristina Utsi received the Saami Council’s Honorary Award on behalf of Sofia Jannok. Photo: Saami Council / Kristoffer Hætta
The Saami Council is now inviting everyone to submit nominations for the Saami Council’s Honorary Award 2026. The last Honorary Award was presented to Sofia Jannok during the 22nd Saami Conference in Gällivare in 2022.
Anyone can nominate candidates for the award, and anyone can be nominated. The Honorary Award may be presented to a person, organization, association or institution in recognition of their efforts for the benefit of the Saami people.
Deadline for nominations: 1 December 2025
The award recognizes efforts that:
strengthen the unity and sense of community of the Saami people
help preserve Saami traditions, ways of life, ways of thinking, language, and other intangible heritage
protect and develop these values also in today’s society
The Honorary Award will be presented at the 23rd Saami Conference in Utsjok in June 2026. The deadline for nominations is 1 December 2025.
Earlier recipients – examples:
1985 Áillohaš - Nils-Aslak Valkeapää
1987 Iver Jåks
1992 Mari Boine
1993 Nina Afanasjeva
2008 Susanna Angéus-Kuoljok
Submit your nominations using this form: