Katja Gauriloff (Rovaniemi Saami Association MII ry) blir ny ordförande i kulturnämnden.
The Saami Council has appointed a new Culture Committee for the years 2027–2028. Katja Gauriloff (Rovaniemi Saami Association MII ry) will serve as the new Chair of the Culture Committee. Stein Bjørn (Sámi Lávdi), Maria Unnes (Sámi Duodji – Sameslöjdstiftelsen), and Niko Valkeapää (Saami Council) have been appointed as members for the new term. Serving as deputy members are Lada Suomenrinne (Sámi Filbmabargiid Searvi), Fred Buljo (Sámi komponisttat), Helena Zerlauth (Álgguogåhtie), and Beaska Niillas (Saami Council). The new Culture Committee will begin its term on January 1, 2027.
Gauriloff Wants to Strengthen Opportunities, Especially for Young People
Gauriloff, who is taking on the role of chairperson, is well-known in the film world, having worked as both a film director and a screenwriter. One of her most notable works is the award-winning documentary film Kuun Metsän Kaisa (Kaisa's Enchanted Forest, 2016). As chairperson, she intends to contribute her experience and vision to their collective efforts: "It is important to me that art and culture created across Sápmi receive the space, value, and visibility they deserve within our artistic landscape. Above all, together with the Cultural Committee, I want to strengthen the opportunities for young duodji makers and artists to receive the support they need for their work", says Gauriloff.
Gauriloff views Sámi art as high-quality and international in scope, noting: “It is a living force that draws upon the wisdom of past generations, constantly discovers new forms of expression, and reaches out—with an open mind—in many directions across various artistic disciplines. At its best, art creates space for dialogue with the rest of the world and helps us understand one another.”
The Saami Council’s Cultural Committee
The Saami Council appoints the Cultural Committee for a two-calendar-year term. The Saami Council plenary appoints members based on nominations from Sámi art and cultural organizations. The Saami Council designates a chair for the Cultural Committee from among its appointed members. The Cultural Committee must consist of five members: one from the Norwegian side, one from the Swedish side, one from the Finnish side, one from the Russian side, and one representing the Saami Council. Due to the current global situation, it has not been possible to appoint a member from the Russian side. In addition to promoting Sámi culture and cultural policy, the responsibilities of the Saami Council’s Cultural Committee include, among other things, managing the distribution of the Saami Council’s cultural grants to the Sámi art and cultural sector.
Saami Council Cultural Committee 2027–2028
Full Members
Katja Gauriloff, Roavvenjárgga sámi searvi MII rs
Stein Bjørn, Sámi Lávdi
Maria Unnes, Sámi Duodji - Sameslöjdstiftelsen
Niko Valkeapää, Saami Council
Personal Alternate Members
Lada Suomenrinne, Sámi filbmabargiid searvi
Fred Buljo, Sámi komponisttat
Helena Zerlauth, Álgguogåhtie
Beaska Niillas, Saami Council
More information:
Unna-Maari Pulska
Secretary of Culture
unnamaari(at)saamicouncil.net