The Kvens
Kvendrakten / kveenipuku
Work on developing a costume for the Kvens began in 1995, following an idea from artist Jens Stark. In 2001, the Kven costume was finalised, and today it is an important identity marker for the Kvens.
The Kvens
Kven language
Kven is a national minority language spoken mainly in Troms and Finnmark counties. The language is part of the Finno-Ugric language family and is a Baltic Sea Finnish language. The language is closely related to Tornedal Finnish Meänkieli in Sweden and the Northern Finnish dialects. In Sweden, Meänkieli is a national minority language.
The Kvens
Sauna / sauna
Sauna bathing has always been an important part of Kven culture, and with Finnish immigration in the 16th and 18th centuries, the sauna tradition became common in northern Troms and Finnmark.
The Kvens
Jan Harald Tomassen
The Centre for Northern Peoples had a unique opportunity to combine a film screening with an unprecedented deep dive into Kven culture when filmmaker Jan Harald Tomassen presented «Great Grandmother's Journey» (11.03.25). In an open and engaging conversation, Tomassen shed light on the inspiration behind the film and the challenges he faced in realising this personal project.
The Kvens
Alf Nilsen-Børsskog
Alf Nilsen-Børskog was the first novelist to write in Kven. His books are said to be a tribute to the Kvens and their culture.
The Kvens
Hans Kristian Eriksen
Hans Kristian Eriksen (1933-2014) grew up in Indre Kiberg in Varanger. He settled in Stonglandseidet in Tranøy municipality on Senja later in life. The author seems to have two homes: Kiberg and Senja, which is also evident in his writing and cultural activities. The marginal stories of Northern Norway, which had no place in the official history books, are nevertheless important themes in his literary work, and show that they were close to his heart.
The Kvens
Food in Nord-Troms
Food traditions in North Troms are influenced by three cultures that have merged; Sami, Kven and Norwegian. The Sea Sami were permanent residents and lived from fishing and small-scale farming, but the culture has also been influenced by migrant Sami who had summer grazing here.
The KvensFood and recipesCustoms, traditions and beliefs
Skibotn market
In Skibotn, Storfjord, was one of the most important markets in Northern Norway, Ivgobađamárkan / Skibotn Market. The market was a natural meeting place for people from inland and coastal areas.
The KvensIndustry and nature use
Agnes Eriksen
Agnes Eriksen's children's books Spøkelset (The Ghost) and Stjernegutten (The Star Boy) were the first picture books published with Norwegian and Kven texts. Eriksen was also one of the winners of the first Kven language prize.
The Kvens
Ingeborg Arvola
Ingeborg Arvola has published a number of novels for both children and adults. Arvola is known for her unique language and specialised themes, and her novel Neiden 1970 is regarded as an innovation in Kven literature.
