Sápmái Buorrin – Building the Future of Sámi Businesses
The Sápmái Buorrin team consists of Project Manager Enni Similä (FI) and Project Advisors Emmi Nuorgam (FI), Sanne-Ristin Bengtsson (SE), Johanna Tjäder (SE) and Mariann Josefsen (NO), working across national borders throughout Sápmi.
Photo: The Saami Council
A new cross-border initiative has been launched to strengthen visibility, knowledge, and market access for duojárat and Sámi businesses. The project Sápmái Buorrin - Building the Future of Sámi Businesses is implemented in cooperation between Suoma Sámiid Guovddášsearvi (SSG), the Saami Council, and Sámi Duodji - Sameslöjdstiftelsen, with funding from Interreg Aurora and regional partners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Enni Similä, project manager of Sápmái Buorrin Photo: The Saami Council / Kristoffer Hætta
Responding to Current Challenges
The project partners seek to address key challenges faced by many duojárat and Sámi businesses today. These include limited market visibility, differences in national regulations, border-related obstacles, and the increasing presence of products inspired by Sámi culture but not made by Sámi people. Such issues make it difficult for customers to identify authentic Sámi craftsmanship and can affect the sustainability of Sámi cultural livelihoods.
For young people, these barriers may also influence the possibility of establishing a future rooted in Sámi traditions. Sápmái Buorrin aims to support the development of stronger business conditions, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and contribute to economic value creation within Sámi communities.
– Most of our businesses make their living from Sámi culture, and when Sámi products are made visible in larger markets, the financial value returns to our own communities. In this way, Sámi culture creates livelihoods today while also protecting our cultural heritage for future generations, says Project Manager Enni Similä.
“Sápmái Buorrin aims to support the development of stronger business conditions, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and contribute to economic value creation within Sámi communities.”
Courses, Residencies and Pilot Cities
During the three-year project period, Sápmái Buorrin will carry out activities focusing on knowledge-building, collaboration, and improved visibility for authentic Sámi products. Sámi businesses will be invited to participate in workshops and gatherings, both physical and digital. The first gathering will take place in Ohcejohka in June 2026 and will cover topics such as product photography, presentation of products, and communication of business profiles.
The project will also establish a home residency programme for duojárat and Sámi entrepreneurs, with practical guidance on cross-border sales and everyday business operations.
In addition, three pilot cities, one in each of the participating countries will be selected. In these locations, the project will work with local partners to strengthen the placement of duodji and Sámi-made products in shops, hotels, cultural venues, and other relevant arenas.
Project Team
A cross-border team has been established to implement the project.
Project Manager: Enni Similä (FI)
Project Advisors: Emmi Nuorgam (FI), Sanne-Ristin Bengtsson (SE), Johanna Tjäder (SE), and Mariann Josefsen (NO)
Sápmái Buorrin runs from November 2025 to October 2028.
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Project funding:
Interreg Aurora; Sámi Parliament in Norway; Lapin Liitto; Finnmark, Troms, Nordland and Trøndelag County Municipalities; Barents Secretariat; Region Norrbotten; Västerbotten; Jämtland Härjedalen; Västernorrland.