Today, the Kvens have the status of a national minority, along with four other minorities. Who are Kvens? Why did they settle in Northern Norway? What happened to the Kvens during the Norwegianization policy?
These are some of the questions Einar Niemi addresses during the lecture. Particular focus will be on the meeting between them and the larger society on the Norwegian side of the borders, with natural emphasis on the Norwegianization policy and its background. In this context, the Kven reaction to the Norwegianization policy will be discussed, for the protection of way of life and language.
After World War II, the Kvens disappeared for a time in the public eye, only to be "rediscovered" in the 1960s, when the foundation was laid for the processes leading up to recognition. In the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2023), the Kvens, together with the Sami and Forest Finns, are in focus. The Storting has adopted a plan for following up the proposals in the report.
An important measure in 2026 is under special study, the proposal for a centre of expertise related to the Norwegianisation policy and its impact history. The recommendation will be ready in the autumn. The content, as far as it is known, will be explained at the end of the lecture Einar Niemi is Professor Emeritus at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. Einar has been one of the most important researchers on Kven history and identity, alongside a number of other research fields that include demographic, economic and social history, including migration history, regional history and regionalism. He was also a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The lecture is part of the Cultural Preservation Days 2026, where the Narvik Centre Foundation and Narvik Library collaborate on the project "Kven cultural heritage in Ofoten". The event is supported by the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Association.
The event is free and open to everyone. Welcome!
