Oliva Nilsen Wins the 2025 Buošši Award

On Thursday, the Buošši Award 2025 was presented during the opening of this year’s Riddu Riđđu Festival in Manndalen, Kåfjord. The award is presented by Riddu Riđđu in collaboration with the Center for Northern Peoples, and is given to individuals or associations who have contributed to promoting the Coastal Sámi language and culture. 

This year’s recipient is Oliva Nilsen from Manndalen in Kåfjord. 

She is awarded for her long-standing dedication to Sámi handicrafts and traditional Sámi food culture—an engagement that began in her childhood. She has, among other things, woven traditional bands and shoelaces, knitted, and sewn traditional Sámi footwear (komager). Oliva has also participated in several documentaries and books aimed at promoting Sámi culture. Through this, she has played a vital role in preserving and highlighting Coastal Sámi traditions and heritage in the region. 

She is described as a role model and an important figure who has worked tirelessly to promote Sámi culture in the aftermath of the Norwegianization era.