Create a non-profit Sami oasis in Indre Billefjord, Norway

Details

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  Description

  Our dream is to create a place to share the rich history of the costal sami in Northern Norway. So we are slowly developing an environment for informing visitors here in Porsanger, Finnmark. The goal is to create a Sami inspired oasis in the beautiful landscape between the fiord, the river and the mountains.
  In autumn and winter the sky lights up with aurora borealis. In the summer reindeer, moose, fox and hare, and hundreds of species of birds are present under the midnight sun.
  We are a Norwegian couple in the sixties, living in the south, but dreaming of the north were we were borne and raised.
  The old cottage was my great grandfather's small farm a hundred years ago. My grandmother was borne here - and the family have deep roots going at least 500 years back in the area.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Culture

  

  Writing

  

  Photography

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Architecture

  

  Camping

  

  Winter sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will be close to nature and in the middle of a rich Sami reindeer herder’s area. The arctic nature are rich on resources like berries and fish. In the autumn hunting grouses is a popular activity.
  You will get wild cached salmon, king crab, reindeer meat and other excellent food to prepare in our kitchen or on the barbecue.
  Also it’s possible to learn a lot about the history of the Sami people, and maybe learn some basic woodworking skills from our other friends and helpers.
  The Sami is one of the few European indigenous people still living their traditional life.
  Sami culture is the indigenous tradition of the Sámi people across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia's Kola Peninsula (Sápmi region). It is defined by a deep spiritual connection to nature, historically semi-nomadic reindeer herding, the joik singing tradition, and duodji (handicrafts).

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  Help

  I need practical help with carpentry and painting since I am doing most of the work by my self, to keep costs down on this non-profit project. This is not a business and there are no paid activities offered at this project.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Norwegian: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We have a small cabin with nice beds.
  Alternatively we can offer sleeping in a large Sami tent outside the cabins. Well equipped kitchen for preparing food. Also barbecue and bone fire for enjoining outdoor cocking.
  Food will be available free of charge for participants.
  
  What to expect:
  • Nature: Live close to the arctic nature with a lot of opportunities to enjoy harvesting from the surrounding resources like fishing in the ocean, lakes and rivers. Hunting for berries and mushroom etc.
  • Hunting crabs: With a bit of luck we will have the opportunity to go hunting for the famous king crab – a delicacy served only in the finest restaurants but cached in our local waters. Enjoying the delicacy freshly prepared in our kitchen or on the grill.
  • Food: Other local delicacies that will come to our kitchen is fresh caught wild trout and salmon, reindeer meat from the local herders (or from the shop) and other traditional Sami and Norwegian food
  • Cultural exchange: An unique opportunity to learn more about the local reindeer herders, and the rich Sami culture.
  • New friends: You will meet a lot of new friends. There is a lot of locals joining the project from time to time.
  • Visits to nearby attractions: We may do some executions to the nearby area. The North cape is only at tree hour drive away. The Sami capitol Karasjok is one hour away from the project and al lot more.
  • Accommodations: There will be nice beds and clean linen available – for a more authentic experience we also have a large lavvo, a traditional Sami tent, where you can sleep in your own sleeping bag.
  • Creative work: And of course; a lot of interesting tasks cocreating the wonderful cabin and bath we are building. We will first finish the bath so there will be a proper sauna and bathroom available.
  • Transport: A van with three seats will occasionally be available for executions in the nearby area. When you arrive we can provide transport from the nearest buss stop or the airport.
  
  What not to expect:
  • Nightlife: We are 20 km outside the community centre Lakselv – so nightlife will be limited to listing to the rich birdlife in the surrounding wood and looking for passing wildlife in the Nordic night.
  • Shopping opportunities: The location is far from the shopping centres and we will have to arrange trips to the town to shop our daily or weekly supplies. There is a kiosk at the local campsite and a shop with books and nice Sami handicraft at the nearby museum.
  • Hot showers: Well, they will be available, but in a simple outdoor “bathroom” where we bring hot water from the kettle and enjoy an outdoor shower.
  • Financial gain: This is a non-profit project and with exception of the local plumbers and electricians, all work will be based on barter: Meaning you work and participate in the daily activities and get a nice experience, food and accommodation for free. If you want, we can also offer a written reference of your skills and effort.
  • Carefree living: Living close to the nature also means enjoying close contact with the local wildlife. Reindeers, moose and foxes will try their best to avoid contact with you. The mosquito and midges are plentiful some periods, but repellent and electronic devices should keep them away.

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  What else ...

  We also have a van that will be available occasionally for executions or shopping in the area.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Internet access may be limited in periods due to the rural area we are situated in.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We can offer safe and convenient place to park campers and motorvans. The site also offer running water and electricity.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have a Bernese Mountain Dog, shy but kind.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Tosca

  Bernese Mountain Dog - 8 years old

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