Björnfesten Jam Session

Björnfesten Jam Session is a series of events taking place on Saturday 24 May, at Liljevalchs+. The programme runs throughout the day and includes several performances and a joik workshop for children.

More details, including exact times and locations within Liljevalchs, will be announced closer to the event.

Björnfesten Jam Session is based on experiments and improvisation through joik, music, and oral storytelling. It brings together artist Carola Grahn, composer and percussionist Jakop Janssønn, joikers Simon Issát Marainen and Jörgen Stenberg, and actor Sarakka Gaup to explore how the Sámi bear rite might be reimagined and practiced today. 

Björnfesten, or the Bear Ceremony, is an ancient Sami ritual. The origin of the rite stems from a myth that transcends Sámi and northern polar Indigenous peoples. The bear holds a sacred place in the Sámi worldview, believed to possess more-than-human powers and supernatural abilities. Historically, the rite included multiple parts and a feast that could last for several days. Archaeological sites across Sæpmie reveal bear graves with the bones, usually from a single bear carefully arranged.

The stories of Björnfesten are still vivid through ancient jojks and oral storytellings but the rite itself is no longer practiced.

Björnfesten Jam Session takes place in the context of Máhcaheapmi (Responses), a two-year public programme of Indigenous-led gatherings that use art to foster critical reflection, resistance, and knowledge-sharing. Initiated by Office for Contemporary Art Norway (OCA) in partnership with Sámiráđđi / The Saami Council in the wake of the 2023 report by Norway’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the project addresses the enduring impact of forced assimilation policies targeting Sámi, Kven, and Forest Finn communities.

OCA - Office for Contemporary Art is a foundation promoting contemporary art from Norway internationally. OCA expands international opportunities and contributes to global exchanges through various activities, including grants and residencies, research visits and network development, public programmes, and publishing.

The Truth Commission for the Sámi People report from Sweden is underway and their findings will be published by December 1st of 2025. It is a government inquiry established after the petition from the Sámi Parliament.

Participants:
Carola Grahn
Jakop Janssønn
Sarakka Gaup / Ellána Bireha Áillu Sarakka
Simon Issát Marainen
Jörgen Stenberg

Mer info hittar du på OCA:s hemsida.