The experiences of former boarding school children are many and diverse. Yet, amidst this diversity, a common thread emerges: the feeling of being a stranger, of not quite fitting in, neither at home nor at school.

Boarding schools were not only a means of education ,but also a powerful tool employed to assimilate Sámi and Kven children into Norwegian society. These children not only separated from their parents but also from their language, culture, and traditions.

For nearly a century, boarding schools provided a solution to ensure education for all. In the vast and scattered communities of Northern Norway, many had to reside in these institutions. How did this impact the children? And does it continue to shape our society, considering the significant number of individuals who grew up within such institutions?

"Always a Stranger" is an intimate exhibition exploring this profound theme. We amplify the voices of boarding school children, allowing their narratives to resonate with lingering questions that await answers.

The exhibition features texts in Norwegian, Northern Sámi, and Kven languages, in addition to English.

Grafikk/ illustrasjon: Bjørn Hatteng, Norges arktiske universitet

Last changed: 25.08.2023 11.09