"Tråante 2017" marked the centennial anniversary of the first Sámi National Assembly in Trondheim (see stop 7 for more information about the Assembly). The celebration used the South Sámi name for Trondheim, "Tråante," and was organized in collaboration between the Sámi Parliament, Sør-Trøndelag County Municipality, Nord-Trøndelag County Municipality, and the City of Trondheim. In addition to celebrating the Sámi community, it also aimed to convey knowledge about the Sámi people, Sámi culture, and Sámi history in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia to the entire population. 

The celebration lasted a week, from February 6 to 12, 2017, and included a wide range of activities in culture, sports, religion, education, research, business, natural resources, and politics. Over 120 official events were held during the week, including art and photo exhibitions, theatre, music, films, debates, book launches, and more. On Sámi National Day, February 6, 2017, a Sámi altar was consecrated in Nidaros Cathedral. The altar, created by artist Folke Fjällström, is made from oiled birch and decorated with Sámi ornamentation. In the centre of the altar stands a wooden sculpture that is 85 cm high, and the entire altar stands 2.35 meters tall. 

One of the main events was the opening of a new exhibition at the NTNU Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, titled "Who Owns History?". The exhibition presented findings documenting Sámi presence in Southern Norway dating back to the 8th century. 

The celebration attracted Sámi people from all over Sápmi, and many travelled to Trondheim to participate. One of the participants was Northern Sámi Stig Arne Somby, who came from Røros to be part of the celebration. On his way home, he wrote a blog for Nea Radio, reflecting on the experience: 

"Already last Saturday, Trondheim had become Tråante, and showed itself in red, yellow, green, and blue! Banners were hung, Sámi flags in the streets, in shop windows, and on the entire facade of Rockheim. You could barely walk five meters without running into a smiling Sámi, seeing a 'gapta,' or hearing our beloved 'gollegiela.' 

[…] Over 120 official events, I think I managed to attend 15 - 20 of them. The lavvus (Sámi tents) at the square were actually too small, 1200 m2 felt cramped. Several of the concert venues could have had a larger capacity. No one had dared to believe that so many would come. 

[…] I have long been a proud Sámi, but now, as I leave the hotel for the train station, I am a prouder Sámi than ever before. Thank you, Trondheim, gæjhtoe Tråante […]!" 

Further reading

Somby, S.A. (2017) Post Tråante Stress Disorder - en ny samisk folkesykdom?, Nea Radio 

Tråante 2017 – Offisielle nettside 

Wikimedia Commons – bilder fra Tråante 2017