Sámi Family Innovation Weekend
Sámi University of Applied Sciences invites Sámi families from across Sápmi to join us for a unique weekend of cultural knowledge sharing, creativity and innovation!
Across Generations – Traditional Knowledge and New Ideas Shaping the Future
6–8 November 2026 | Diehtosiida, Guovdageaidnu, Norway
What can three generations create together?
Sámi University of Applied Sciences invites Sámi families from across Sápmi to join us for a unique weekend of cultural knowledge sharing, creativity and innovation!
We are looking for Sámi families representing three generations – young people, adults and elders – who would like to explore how family knowledge, Sámi culture and traditions can inspire new ideas, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Throughout the weekend, families will share knowledge and experiences, learn from one another and discover new possibilities together. Ideas may grow into family businesses, cultural initiatives, new products, services or something entirely unexpected.
Does your family have traditional knowledge you would like to carry forward? A business or an idea you would like to develop? Or are you simply curious to discover what you could create together?
You do not need an existing business, a project or a ready-made idea to participate. What matters is your family's knowledge, interests and willingness to explore new possibilities together.
What can you expect?
The weekend will be creatively facilitated by Daniil Pokidko from Hanken School of Economics in Finland.
Daniil will guide families through a creative process where participants share experiences, identify what matters to them, explore challenges, develop ideas and experiment with new possibilities.
You will have the opportunity to learn from different generations within your own family and from other families, exchange ideas and explore potential next steps.
Learn more about Daniil:
https://www.hanken.fi/sv/person/daniil-pokidko
The weekend at a glance
Friday, 6 November | Starting at 12:00
Our family, our stories, our knowledge
We begin with a welcome lunch, followed by opportunities to get to know one another, share family stories and explore what matters to each family and what they would like to carry forward.
Saturday, 7 November | From ideas to action
A day of creative workshops, collaboration and experimentation. Families explore new possibilities and discover how their knowledge, experiences and ideas might become practical initiatives.
Sunday, 8 November | Creating possibilities for the future
What have we learned? What would we like to continue? Families share their experiences, reflect on new opportunities and consider possible next steps.
The weekend concludes with a shared lunch at 12:00.
Who can participate?
We welcome Sámi families from across Sápmi, particularly families who can participate with three generations.
Participants may include young people, parents, grandparents and other family members. We especially encourage families where younger, middle and older generations can explore ideas together.
Practical information
Participation is free. Sámi University of Applied Sciences will cover:
- Travel to and from Guovdageaidnu
- Hotel accommodation for the weekend
- Meals during the programme
When: 6–8 November 2026
Where: Diehtosiida, Guovdageaidnu, Norway
Languages: The workshop will be facilitated in Sámi and English.
How to apply
Register your family using [THIS APPLICATION LINK] by 30.10.2026.
Please briefly tell us who you are, where you are travelling from and what your family might like to explore or develop together.
Places are limited.
Questions? Send an e-mail to conference@samas.no
About Sámi AI Lab
This weekend is a pilot initiative developed as part of the Sámi AI Lab activities at Sámi University of Applied Sciences. The project is led by Professor Lars Ailo Bongo.
The future begins with our own knowledge, culture and ideas.