Verdde at Arctic Arts Summit 2026

Oadjut: Contemporary Sámi Architecture in Practice

What is contemporary Sámi architecture, who defines it and what does it bring to our lived environments?

Oadjut is a project about creating safe Sámi spaces through contemporary Sámi architecture and public art – starting with physical examples in Giron. With contemporary Sámi architecture, Sámi building traditions and Sámi philosophy as tools, this project works towards realizing the establishment of public architecture, based on Sámi terms. Oadjut is led by Sámi architect Eveliina Sarapää, that have invited Sámi architects to a collaborative work around considering and defining guiding principles for implementing Sámi architecture in city planning and shared public spaces. The work has resulted in twelve design principles, built on a holistic Sámi outlook on the surroundings. Including respect for nature and ways of looking at resources, that align with how material for duodji is gathered and repurposed with a long-term and circular perspective, Sámi architecture holds a key role in creating a sustainable future.

We invite you to a presentation of the principles created by the Sámi architects and a conversation around the needs and the next steps to make a lasting change in how contemporary Sámi architecture is included on its own terms in our shared public environments.

The panel of Sámi architects: Eveliina Sarapää, Jenni Hakovirta, Johanna Minde, Karin Wilstrand, Kalle Bexelius, Maria Nordvall, Magnus Antaris Tuolja, Trine Samuelsen Hansen, Vilja Halonen.

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Oadjut is Northern Sámi and can be translated as “to feel safe”

The Arctic Arts Summit is the world’s only recurring international, cultural policy summit focused exclusively on the Circumpolar North. It connects artists, Indigenous leaders, researchers, and policymakers to strengthen Northern arts, elevate Indigenous perspectives, and advance cultural collaboration across Arctic nations.