Heddadagene: Fredagsforum #3 «Etter sannheten…» Samtale og scenisk refleksjon

Where does reconciliation work stand in Norway—three years after the commission’s report?

It has been three years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented its report on the Norwegianization policy and its consequences for the Sámi, Kven/Norwegian Finnish, and Forest Finnish communities in Norway. The report marked a historic reckoning with a state policy that has affected generations—but where do we stand today?

Are we moving toward genuine reconciliation, or are there signs of stagnation and renewed denial? Which recommendations have been followed up, and which remain only on paper? How is Norwegian society responding to the demands for justice, accountability, and recognition—and what role can art and culture play in this process?

These questions will be brought into public discussion in a panel featuring journalist and historian Maren Sæbø, actor and theatre director Frank Jørstad, and writer, activist, and musician Aslak Heika Hætta Bjørn. The conversation will be introduced and moderated by linguist and author Anna-Kaisa Räisänen.

Following the discussion, we will present Under the Shade of a Tree I Sat and Wept. The performance draws on international reconciliation processes, such as South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1995) and Kosovo’s traditional blood feud reconciliation practices (1990). Two different contexts, but with a shared goal: forgiveness and the necessity of speaking the truth—even when that truth is uncomfortable.

Maren Sæbø is a journalist and historian educated in South Africa, who has spent many years covering African affairs for the Norwegian press. Raised in Oslo and Angola, she graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. Sæbø is the former editor of Verdensmagasinet X and is a regular columnist for Dagsavisen. She also hosts the podcast Afrikansk politikk (African Politics) and is affiliated with the fact-checking organization faktisk.no. She has received several awards for her work, including the Perspektiv Prize, the IR Prize, Freelancer of the Year, and the Annette Thommessen Memorial Award.

Frank Jørstad is a Kven-Norwegian actor and theater director, educated at the Arts Educational Drama School and the Lee Strasberg Studio in London. He is well-known for his roles in productions such as Svidd neger, Jul på Månetoppen, Mammon, and Brødrene Dal og mysteriet med Karl XIIs gamasjer. Since 2021, he has served as the artistic director of Kvääniteatteri – The Kven National Theatre, and in 2024, he was named "Kven of the Year."

Aslak Heika Hætta Bjørn, from Pasvik, is an author, artist, and Sámi Parliament representative for the NSR (Association of Norwegian Sámi). In 2025, he debuted with the book Vrengte Kofter - kampen for en samisk framtid, published by Forlaget Manifest, exploring themes of identity, activism, truth, and reconciliation. Additionally, Bjørn provides vocals and screams for the hardcore band Ondt Blod.

Anna-Kaisa Schultz-Räisänen has worked with Kven language and culture since 2006. She is the head of academics at the Kven Institute and has led numerous language and cultural revitalization projects. From August 2019 to July 2023, Anna-Kaisa worked as a researcher for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She is currently involved in a project assessing a national competence center for Norwegianization policy and injustice. In addition, she has published three children's books, writes lyrics, and translates fiction and theatrical texts from Norwegian to Kven.

In collaboration with Heddadagene