Program Sami Church Days 2025
Registration at the Church Square, Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta Church
Thursday: 17:00 – 20:00
Friday: 09:00 – 12:00
Other times: Registration at the café in the church foyer.
Thursday, June 26:
20:00: Evening Prayer
Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta Church
(Markedsgata 30)
Main liturgist: Anne Skoglund
Friday, June 27:
Church café open 11:00 – 20:00. Hosted by Álttá Sámiid Searvi.
Duodji and food market open 10:00 – 20:00.
10:00–10:45
Exhibition Opening: Girkugiisá – Duodji as Safety. Sami Church Art and Textiles
Art Association (Hesteskoen 12)
Curated by Anna-Stina Svakko, artistic director of the Girkogiisá project and certified master in duodji (soft materials). Introduction by Nils-Johan Labba, member of the 2025 Sami Church Days program committee. Official opening by May Bente Jönsson, Chair of the Sami Church Council, Church of Norway.
10:00–10:30
Children ages 0–8: Storytime in North Sami with author Jens Martin Mienna
Alta Library (Markedsgata 3)
Jens Martin Mienna reads aloud in North Sami. A family-friendly event in the library's reading corner (max. 50 participants). Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult.
11:00–11:30
Children ages 0–8: Storytime in Norwegian with author Jens Martin Mienna
Alta Library (Markedsgata 3)
Jens Martin Mienna reads aloud in Norwegian. Same setting and guidelines as above.
11:00–11:45
Exhibition Opening: Per Ivar Somby – History in Color
Town Square, Alta city centre
The exhibition features old photographs colorized by Per Ivar Somby, known from the Instagram account "Colormypast." The artist will present his work. Official opening by May Bente Jönsson, Chair of the Sami Church Council. The exhibition will remain in the town square throughout August.
13:00–14:30
Official Opening of the Sami Church Days 2025 – Opening Worship Service
Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta Church
Main liturgist: Hanne Øygard
The service will be multilingual. Printed multilingual programs will be available. Hearing loop system is installed in the sanctuary.
12:45–14:45
Family Time
Family Room, lower level, Northern Lights Cathedral
A quiet space for children and families during the worship service. Drawing materials, toys, and books available.
Five parallel sessions from 15:00
15:00-16:30
Racism in Sápmi: How Can the Church and Local Communities work together?
Scandic Alta, Vest-Finnmark Room (1st floor)
Speakers: Hanne Magga (project leader of Suodji/Suodje/Suaja, founder of the Facebook group "Document hatred againts Samis"), and Aili Keskitalo (Political Advisor, Amnesty International Norway).
Panel: Hanne Magga, Aili Keskitalo, Nils-Johan Labba, Bertil Jönsson (Deacon, South Sami Parish Saemien åålmege), Heidi Eriksen (Arctic Church Network/UVJA).
Moderator: Lisbeth Hotti (Advisor for Sami Church Life, Church of Sweden).
15:00-16:00
Seminar: Bible Texts in the Heart Language
Alta Library (Markedsgata 3)
A session on the South Sami Bible translation project: its origins, current status, and future direction.
Organized by the Norwegian Bible Society.
Contributors: Senior Translator Bierna Leine Bientie, Bible Translator Meerke Krihke Leine Bientie, and Theologian Einar Sørlid Bondevik.
15:00-16:30
LGBTQ+: Community and Christian Faith When Identity Is Challenged
Scandic Alta, Sautso Room (1st floor)
How can churches in Sápmi be open and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals? How do we create room for trust, faith, and honest dialogue when we differ in belief? Introduction by Asgeir Fagerli Langberg and Sigrid Karine Paulsen.
Panel: Asgeir Fagerli Langberg, Sigrid Karine Paulsen, and Aili Skum.
Moderator: Jorunn Jernsletten.
15:00-16:00
Listening Post: We Who Live Between Worlds
Northern Lights Room (cinema room), lower level, Northern Lights Cathedral
Experience a new audio work by Sondre Närva Pettersen about reconciliation in a Christian context.
The composer will not be present. Open drop-in format.
15:00-16:30
Children's Duodji (ages 4–15)
Family Room, lower level, Northern Lights Cathedral
Hands-on craft sessions with an experienced duojár and volunteers. Activities include sewing a coffee bag, woodburning patterns, and braiding Sami bands. Children under school age must be accompanied.
Entrance via church basement. Max 10 participants per session.
Five parallel sessions from 18:00
18:00-19:30
Short Film (28 min): More Than Just Mountains (2025)
Alta Cinema (Markedsgata 3)
The film follows young Sami activists protesting the government’s handling of the Fosen case. Followed by a discussion with filmmaker Johannes Vang (Aurinko Film AS) and Kristina Labba, General Secretary of the Sami Church Council.
18:00-19:30
Reconciliation, Joik, and Christian Life in a North Sami Context
Lavvu in the church park (outside Northern Lights Cathedral)
A conversation about the role of joik in Christian life, featuring Sami tradition-bearers and former General Secretary of the Sami Church Council, Risten Turi Aleksandersen. Introduction by Cantor Kristian Paulsen.
18:00-18:45
Photo Lecture: Life of a Young Skolt Sami Hunter
Scandic Alta, Sautso Room (1st floor)
Vesa Orassalo from Näätämö, Finland, shares images and insights from his life as a hunter and nature photographer, reflecting on how hunting, fishing, and nature shape identity and daily life in the north.
18:00-19:30
Films for Children (Ages 0–8)
Northern Lights Room, lower level, Northern Lights Cathedral
Short films in various Sami languages. Easy to follow for young children and their guardians. Staffed by volunteers. Children under school age must be accompanied.
18:00-19:30
Games, Reading & LEGO (Ages 0–15)
Family Room, lower level, Northern Lights Cathedral
An evening space for children and youth with board games, books, LEGO, and a relaxed atmosphere. Staffed by volunteers. Children under school age must be accompanied.
From 20:30
20:30–21:30
Evening Hymn Singing
Northern Lights Cathedral (Markedsgata 30)
Led by Pia Holmgren and Maria Smeds, with both traditional and contemporary hymns.
23:00
Midnight Worship by the Sea
Jiebmaluokta / Hjemmeluft
Main liturgist: Rolf Steffensen
Bus departs at 22:30 from the street outside Scandic Hotel.
Saturday, June 28:
Church café open: 10:00 – 19:30. Hosted by Álttá Sámiid Searvi.
Duodji and food market open: 10:00 – 20:00.
08:30–10:00
Orthodox Morning Mass
Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta Church (Markedsgata 30)
Organized by the Orthodox Church of Finland
10:30–12:00
Main Seminar: Truth and Reconciliation in Sápmi
Scandic Alta, Vest-Finnmark and Midt-Finnmark rooms (1st floor)
Presentations by Kaisa Huuva, Lovisa Mienna Sjöberg, and Mari Valjakka. Discussion led by Dagfinn Høybråten, chair of the Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Interpreting and hearing loop available.
10:30–12:00
Games, Drawing and Reading (Ages 0–15)
Scandic Alta, Sautso room (1st floor)
Open space with books, drawing materials, and board games. A welcoming place for relaxation, creativity, play, and language exploration. Staffed by volunteers.
12:45–13:00
Presentation of the Norwegian Hymnological Association’s Honorary Award
Scandic Alta, Vest-Finnmark Room (1st floor)
Award presented by NHF representative Johan Máhtte Skum
Three parallel sessions from 13:00
13:00–13:45
Sami Musical Expression as a Tool for Reconciliation in the Churches?
Scandic Alta, Vest-Finnmark Room
Introductory talk by Karin Nelson Bonta (Norwegian Academy of Music), followed by panel discussion with Cantor Kristian Paulsen and cultural worker Hanna Maaria Kiprianoff (Tana and Varanger Museumsiida).
13:00–13:45
Mental Health: The Road to Help
Scandic Alta, Sautso Room
Seminar with SANKS (Sami National Competence Centre for Mental Health and Substance Use) and UVJA (Psychosocial Support Unit).
13:00–13:45
Performance: Star Tent – A Journey into the Sami Starry Sky
Scandic Alta, Øst-Finnmark Room (1st floor)
Family-friendly storytelling performance by renowned Sami storyteller Ánte Mihkkal Gaup. The audience sits in the dark as star constellations and myths light up the tent.
Four parallel sessions from 14:00
14:00-15:00
Bargobadji: Threads and Yarn
Scandic Alta, Sautso Room
Led by duojár Ida Maria Marakatt. Max 15 participants.
14:00-15:00
Bargobadji: Sydisdans
Scandic Alta, Vest-Finnmark Room
Sydisdans is a traditional South Sami dance combining swing and foxtrot.
Instructor: Mikajosefin Jonsson Gehrke.
All are welcome to learn or join in.
14:00-15:00
Hymn Singing Session
Lavvu in the Church Park
Sing traditional hymns in North Sami. Led by Sami Church Council advisor Johan Máhtte Skum.
14:00–14:45
Performance: Star Tent – A Journey into the Sami Starry Sky
Scandic Alta, Øst-Finnmark Room
Family-friendly storytelling performance by renowned Sami storyteller Ánte Mihkkal Gaup. The audience sits in the dark as star constellations and myths light up the tent.
Five parallel sessions from 15:30
15:45-17:15 (Entry opens at 15:30)
Seminar: Girkogiisá
Northern Lights Cathedral (Markedsgata 30)
Duodji master Anna-Stina Svakko presents the Girkogiisá exhibition, followed by a walk to the Art Association venue.
15:30-17:00
Seminar: Repatriation of Sami Remains
Scandic Alta, Vest-Finnmark Room
Fredrik Juul (parish priest, Malå) and Ánde Somby (jurist) present on the efforts to rebury Sami remains that were removed for research purposes. Hearing loop available.
15:30-17:00
Duodji for Children (Ages 4–15)
Family Room, lower level, Northern Lights Cathedral
Craft session with an experienced duojár and volunteers. Includes simple sewing, woodburning, and braiding Sami bands. Children under school age must be accompanied. Max 10 participants per session.
15:30-16:30
Book Launch: Eallinvuoibmi / Livskraft
Scandic Alta, Meeting Room East Finnmark (1st floor)
The new devotional book by Lars Johnsen, published in both Northern Sámi and Norwegian, will be launched. The event includes a book conversation with Lars, moderated by Line M. Skum.
Northern Sámi translation by Berit Frøydis Svineng Johnsen. Photo: Lars Johnsen
15:30-16:30
Listening Post: We Who Live Between Worlds
Northern Lights Room, lower level, Cathedral
New sound work by Sondre Närva Pettersen on reconciliation in a Christian context. Composer is not present. Open drop-in format.
From 18:00
18:00–19:15
Youth Worship Service
Alta Church (Kirkeveien 1)
Main liturgist: Emilia Holmlund
Created in collaboration with youth participants, theology student Anna Jönsson, and Cantor Ole Johan Monsen. Approx. 10 minutes walking distance from Scandic Hotel Alta. Hearing loop available.
20:30 Concert: Kajsa Balto and Cellist Ragnhild Tronsmo
Northern Lights Cathedral (Markedsgata 30)
Discounted tickets available when registering for Sami Church Days (registration closes June 10). Remaining full-price tickets sold at the door from 19:30.
Sunday, June 29:
Church café open: 12:00 – 14:00. Hosted by Álttá Sámiid Searvi.
Food market open: 10:00 – 14:00.
09:30–10:15
Youth Appeal to the Churches in Sápmi
Northern Lights Cathedral (Markedsgata 30)
Youth participants present their message to the churches in Sápmi, sharing hopes and visions for Sami church life. Bishops Olav Øygard, Teresia Derlén, and Jukka Keskitalo will respond.
11:00–13:00
Closing Worship Service
Northern Lights Cathedral (Markedsgata 30)
Main liturgist: Mari Valjakka
Multilingual service. Hearing loop available.
Parking Information:
- Buses: Parking at the Town Hall
- RVs without electricity: Ski stadium / gravel lots behind Kaiskuru community center (note: distance to the city, local bus available)
- Central RV parking: Gravel lot at Prestegårdsvegen
- Staff and volunteers: Alta Church parking lot