About us
Who is Urhjertet?
Urhjertet AS is based at Andsvatnet, on Nysted Farm in Sørreisa, but also travels to schools to share knowledge.
The company focuses on educating people about Sami culture, traditional livelihoods, and related topics. With a broad network of experts in various fields, Urhjertet ensures high-quality offerings.
Urhjertet AS highlights the Sami people and their cultural traditions from both historical and con-temporary perspectives. This includes cultural heritage, livelihoods, handicrafts, art, storytelling, and more.
Urhjertet offers lectures, courses, group and class instruction, dialogues, guidance, and acti-vities at the farm or at visiting locations.
Experience the magic of storytelling with real-life stories, fairy tales, legends, readings, role-playing, and simple theater performances featuring duodji (traditional Sami handicrafts).
Facilities and Activities
At the farm, Urhjertet has a house with a lounge, kitchen, toilet, and a small shop selling books, flags, and more.
The surrounding area features lavvus (Sami tents), a playground, a cultural trail, benches, tables, and fire pits. Visitors can also try lasso throwing, fishing, and water activities such as swimming.
Educational activity packages can be booked, and additional experiences such as gold panning/treasure hunting, stone polishing, and making simple jewelry from antlers can be arranged.
Food service is available upon request for events, and various accommodation options can be arranged at the farm.
Urhjertet’s activities are open to everyone.
About the Founder
Susanne Vallesæter is the general manager and has been involved in Sami communities in Troms and Finnmark for over 20 years, gaining deep knowledge of Sami culture and traditions.
Formal Qualifications:
- Nature management, reindeer husbandry, and healthcare studies from high school
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Adjunct teacher with additional education
- Leadership training
- Career guidance
- Courses in Sami history, culture, and social studies from the Sami University of Applied Sciences in Kautokeino and UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Additionally, she is a children’s book author with three published books in Norwegian and Northern Sami (side-by-side editions).