Every year, Riddu Riđđu invites an Indigenous people to the festival by virtue of being Northern People of the Year. The festival considers it important to create meeting places for Indigenous people, and to give Indigenous people a platform to tell their own stories. This year, Riddu Riđđu has chosen to put a special focus on the cultural expressions of the Lakota people, who are part of the Oceti Sakowin confederation. Dancing, singing and drumming will be an important part of the program during Riddu Riđđu this year.

Riddu Riđđu's audience will meet several of the artists and cultural carriers who work in the fields of culture, crafts, music and politics. They are all important voices in the story of the Lakota, and of our community as Indigenous people from the north.

This year's Northern People's Day is especially dedicated to this year's guest people. Saturday 15 July from 14-16, the public will get to know them better. In addition, the Northern People of the Year will host their tipi and a separate lávvu at Riddu Siida where the public can meet them and participate in various activities.

Northern people of the year is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.