The Kvens
Video: Bente Pedersen narrates
Author Bente Pedersen from Skibotn talks about her Kven and Sea Sami background, and about her writing.
The Kvens
Kven People's Day - kväänikansan päivä
Kvenfolkets dag - kväänikansan päivä is celebrated on 16 March each year. The day marks the first organisation of the Kvens with the establishment of the first local chapter Ruijan kväänit - Pyssyjokilaiset Norske kvener - Børselv in 1984.
The Kvens
The heather horse
For generations, the heather horse has been an important part of folk life and culture in the north. In the many Sea Sami and Kven villages, this elegant, tough and strong little horse has been a highly valued workhorse for generations.
The KvensIndustry and nature use
Laestadianism in faith and society
Laestadianism is the Christian revivalist movement that has had the greatest influence on the population in the region. The revivalist movement came to Norway in the 1840s with the reindeer herding Sami who had summer grazing on the coast and with the Kven immigration.
History and religionThe KvensCustoms, traditions and beliefs
Bente Pedersen
Bente Pedersen from Skibotn has often described herself as «a North Cape cocktail». The popular author is one of Norway's bestsellers with over 200 book titles.
Art, music and literatureThe KvensWomen in Nord-Troms
Birtavarre mines
Only the ruins bear witness to the industrial adventure that took place in Ankerlia in Birtavarre from 1898-1919. The Birtavarre mines, also known as Verket, employed over 250 people at their peak. Swedes, Norwegians, Kvens, Sami, Finns and Russians worked here under very difficult conditions, and large quantities of copper ore were shipped out of the valley. For many of the workers, the cemeteries in Lyngen became their final resting place.
History and religionThe Kvens
Idar Kristiansen
Idar Kristiansen from Kåfjord is characterised by Kven and Sami culture and a love of his home region.
