The main objective of the Interreg Aurora funded project Duodji Akademiija 2027 is to preserve and promote Sámi handicraft skills within the Sámi community. The project aims to create networks between Sámi artisans, promote cross-border cooperation in the field of Sámi handicraft, support and safeguard the transmission of traditional knowledge related to Sámi handicraft from one generation to the next, protect the position of Sámi handicraft as part of Sámi cultural heritage, and promote duodji as a livelihood.
Project objective
- Transmission of Sámi handicraft knowledge between generations
- Developing a roadmap for ethical guidelines for duodji through discussions with Sámi parliaments, cultural organizations, artisans and policy makers
- Developing digital educational materials and planning of roadmap for an online platform for Sámi artisans to share knowledge, network, and access learning materials
- Entrepreneurship and business development for Sámi artisans
- Networking to enhance the economic viability of duodji
- Cross-Border workshop seminars, which address the above-mentioned themes
- To consider social, ecological, and economic sustainability in its activities
Target groups
The primary target group of this project is the Sámi people living in Guovdageaidnu (Norway), Eanodat (Finland), and Gárasavvon (Sweden), young Sámi people and those already engaged in duodji (Sámi handicrafts and design) and preserving traditional artisanal knowledge.
The project specifically focuses on:
- Sámi artisans who practice and pass down duodji.
- Younger generations who are essential for the transmission of knowledge and skills to ensure continuity.
- Local Sámi communities that contribute to maintaining and revitalizing cultural traditions.
- Cross-border Sámi networks and organizations working to strengthen cooperation and safeguard duodji traditions.
As part of the exit plan, the project seeks to empower and involve the wider Sámi community in sustaining and developing each region’s unique artisanal environment.
Contact: Birit Tornensis, planner, Sámediggi/Saamelaiskäräjat, birit.tornensis@samediggi.fi
