Re-elected as chair of RRFAS

On Saturday 24 April, Riddu Riđđu Festivála AS held its annual general meeting and re-elected Bente Ovedie Skogvang as chair for the 2021 – 2023 period. Maria Løkvoll was also elected as a new board member.

Bente Ovedie Skogvang thanks the organisation for its ongoing trust and looks forward to leading the festival during this year’s 30th anniversary, and onwards into the future. “It’s an honour to lead a festival that means so much to so many,” says Skogvang, “and today Riddu Riđđu’s value is recognized by the local municipalities, the region, the county, Sápmi, and internationally. The fact that Riddu Riđđu has existed for 30 years now is testimony to the festival's importance, and we are immensely proud to be a central part of the vibrant, exciting Sámi cultural sector.”

“This year is a challenging time to be building a festival,” notes Skogvang, “and it’s important for us to balance our responsibility towards our audience and Sámi artists alongside our responsibility to safeguard against the spread of infection, and to ensure we don’t expose the local Manndalen and Kåfjord communities to unnecessary risk.”

“Nonetheless, we have great faith that we’ll be able to balance these two responsibilities and are confident in our ability to contribute to this year’s Sámi cultural experiences both safely and responsibly. The festival may be a little different than what audiences are used to, but we’re certain we’ll still be able to create memorable Riddu Riđđu experiences in 2021,” Skogvang concludes.

2021-2022 Riddu Riđđu Festivála AS Board members:

Bente Ovedie Skogvang (Chair)

Maria Løkvoll

Magnus Tornensis

Per Ivan Vatne

Kristin Bjørn (appointed from Troms and Finnmark County)

Jakop Janssønn (appointed from Sámi Parliament)

Jens Kristian Nilsen (appointed from Kåfjord Municipality)

For further comment, please contact Bente Ovedie Skogvang, chair of RRFAS, by telephone at 95 70 44 33 or e-mail at bente.skogvang@inn.no.