It is the American embassies in Norway, Sweden and Finland that finance this project. In total, they add NOK 1.5 million to the work with these quality brands.
– The money is from an American fund intended to promote indigenous culture in the Arctic. This money is exactly what we need for the project. They have also visited Sápmi from the embassies, says Christina Hætta, head of the Sami Council’s cultural department.
Changed guidelines
The Sámi duodji mark for traditional crafts was introduced in the 80s. But now the brand has changed somewhat and the guidelines are new.
– The biggest difference in the guidelines is that the applicant must submit three items for review. In the past, it was enough to send in pictures. Otherwise, the guidelines have not changed much. The idea is that it should be equal across borders, says Johanna Njaita, operations manager at Sámi Duodji, the Samislöjdstiftelsen.
The items must be sent in to the respective license office. On the Swedish side, it is Sámi Duodji’s board, which will bring in extra expertise if they need it in the assessment.
Sámi made – new brand
There will be a list of traditional objects and traditional materials, for the craft that will be able to receive the Sámi Duodji mark. For the products that do not fit into that list, there is the other brand, Sámi Made. The Sami Council is the licensing office for that brand.
– We saw that there was a need to be able to show the buyers that products are made by Sámi and promote the Sámi community, says Sandra Márjá West, project manager of the Sámi Council.
See project manager Sandra Márjá West about the brand new brand, Sámi Made