About Árran julevsáme guovdásj AS

In addition to its own activities, the center also houses the Sámi Parliament's administration, NRK Sápmi national broadcasting, and other institutions and businesses involved in Lule Sámi culture, language, and community development.

 

History and Architecture
Árran was officially opened by HM King Harald in 1994. The iconic building features a central structure inspired by a "lavvo" (Sámi tent), with wings shaped like traditional "gamme" dwellings. The construction was carried out in two phases: the first in 1994 and the second in 2003. The total floor area (BTA) is approximately 2,000 m2. The architect was Knut Eldby.

The name “Árran” means fireplace in Lule Sámi. Our logo, an octagon, symbolizes a fireplace surrounded by eight stones – a traditional gathering space for meals and storytelling.

 

Organization
Árran julevsáme guovdásj AS is a limited company owned by:

• The Sámi Parliament (49%)
• Nordland County Council (17%)
• Hamarøy Municipality (34%)

The foundation's purpose is to operate Árran as a national Sámi institution to preserve, develop, and promote Lule Sámi culture, language, and community life. Its activities are guided by Sámi values and traditions, and with respect for the Christian heritage, as stated in § 3 of Árran's statutes.

 

Vision and Values
Árran endorses the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially focusing on the green shift and environmentally sound practices. We aim to promote a peaceful society through a transparent, accountable, and inclusive institution.

We place the Sámi perspective at the center of our development. Árran is a warm and inclusive knowledge institution that, through museum, language, and cultural activities, creates unique value for our users and stakeholders.

Our vision is to be a strong force for Sámi culture and language, inspiring and engaging current and future generations. Árran will gradually become a Sámi-speaking institution, communicating in Sámi and operating as a not-for-profit organization with strong social responsibility. Innovation and renewal are key to our development.

Árran is led by a director who reports to the foundation's board.

 

Core Areas of Activity
The institution operates in three main areas:

Sámi Museum
Supported by the Sámi Parliament, the museum represents and manages Sámi cultural heritage on behalf of the Sámi community, in accordance with ICOM's museum standards. It is responsible for the Lulesámi and Pitesámi areas in Norway, including parts of Narvik, and the municipalities of Hamarøy, Steigen, Sørfold, Fauske, Bodø, Saltdal, Beiarn, Gildeskål, and Meløy.

The museum manages object collections, photographs, duodje (handicrafts), art, and archival materials. These are shared with the public through exhibitions, guided tours, activities, publications, and digital media.

Lulesámi Language Center
Also supported by the Sámi Parliament, the center promotes Lulesámi identity and language through courses, events, and language arenas. It also contributes to a Sami language database in collaboration with external partners.

Sámi Cultural Center
The cultural center staff are the public face of Árran and manage reception, website, social media, maintenance, digital systems, support services, mail, and the gift shop. They support employees, tenants, and visitors, and coordinate both internal and external events held at the center.

 

Tenants at Árran
- The Sámi Parliament
- NRK Sápmi
- Statped
- Nord University
- Sámi Allaskuvla (Sámi University of Applied Sciences)
- Åarjelsaemien Vierhtiesåafoe (South Sámi Knowledge Park, distance learning)
Hamarøy Municipality