Sajje Solbakk is Riddu Riđđu's next festival director

Riddu Riđđu has hired Sajje Solbakk (24) as the new festival director. She is entering a four-year tenure at the Indigenous festival in Kåfjord.

Sajje Solbakk currently works as a journalist at NRK Sápmi, where she has worked with, among other things, the radio broadcast Valvi and with project development. Solbakk is from Birtavarre and has worked at Riddu Riđđu in various capacities, including as project manager for the festival's youth program, Bargi Nuorat. Solbakk has also co-founded and led the Sámi youth organization Oslove Noereh. Solbakk speaks Northern Sámi, and is passionate about the Sámi language and culture.

“Riddu Riđđu has always had a big place in my heart, and I know I am far from alone in that. The festival has had a completely unique significance for the Sea Sámi in the region, and has become one of the world's most important meeting places for Indigenous Peoples. Riddu Riđđu is not just a festival, but a whole universe of Indigenous cultures, art, music and public debate. Being trusted with this role, and being able to keep developing this universe alongside the fantastic staff and all the volunteers is a dream come true. ” says Sajje Solbakk.

 

Chair of Riddu Riđđu's board, Bente Ovedie Skogvang, is very pleased with the appointment: «With Sajje Solbakk we get an ambitious festival director with a big heart for Sea Sámi culture. Solbakk is a young and inspiring leader who is great at getting others involved. Additionally, she has solid knowledge on both Sámi and Indigenous issues. Her dedication and exciting expertise make her the right person to bring Riddu Riđđu forward as a Sea Sámi lighthouse."

Sajje Solbakk will start her new role in June and will be in training with outgoing festival director Sandra Márjá West during this summer's festival, before she takes over the artistic leadership on 1st of September 2022.