Čoarvemátta, Kautokeino

Čoarvemátta brings together under one roof the Beaivváš Sámi National Theatre, the Sámi High School and the Kautokeino Reindeer Herding School. The building was inaugurated on 21 August 2024. Its social aim is to provide education to young people from across the country and to help young Sámi strengthen their identity, language and culture.

At the opening, Silje Karine Muotka, President of the Sámi Parliament, noted that the building houses two of the most important things Sápmi possesses: the Sámi National Theatre and Sámi youth.

The building sits on top of a hill, with views over Kautokeino and the surrounding mountains; that proximity to nature makes it a meeting point both locally and nationally. The twisting roof is covered in 28 x 120 mm Kebony Character boards. Design: Snøhetta and 70°N arkitektur, with artist Joar Nango. Photography: Lars Petter Pettersen.