Jalvvi Niillas Holmberg

poetry & music from the north

Upcoming events with the Sámi poet, musician, actor and activist Niillas Holmberg. 

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Jalvvi Niillas Holmberg is a poet, novelist, scriptwriter and musician from Ohcejohka, Sápmi. He has published a novel, six books of poetry and his works have been translated into more than ten languages. Niillas is a genre-defying musician who works as a vocalist, composer and lyricist, with six albums published.

Niillas is known as an upfront advocate for Sámi and indigenous rights to self-determination. He has been involved in several movements against extractivism in Sámi areas. He lives in Ohcejohka, Sápmi. 

LatesT

 
 
 

Symphony for Yoik and Chamber Orchestra

Roope Mäenpää’s symphony Luovus will premiere in May, performed by the Lapland Chamber Orhestra. Yoik and poetry by yours truly.

 

Volume in estonian

Tagasitee (Allikaäärne, 2022), a volume of Niillas’ poems in Estonian has just been published. Translations by Mathura.

 
 
 
 

eSSAY published

Jäljettömyyden jälki, an essay by Niillas is included in a new anthology Ohi (WSOY, 2022). More here.

 
 
 

NEW ALBUM

Guorga has published its first album. Read more, listen and read the English translations of the lyrics here.

 
 
Cover art by Lada Suomenrinne

Cover art by Lada Suomenrinne

 

Books

Books
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TAGASITEE

This volume consists of Estonian translations from the poetry collections Oaidnaleapmai, Čáhcesiellu and The Way Back. Translations by Mathura, published by Allikaäärne.

Halla Helle

Halla Helle is the first novel by Niillas Holmberg. It takes a deep look at Sámi culture and cultural differences through the eyes of Samu, a son of a priest from Southern Finland. He becomes attached to a Sámi visual artist Halla Helle. Published by Gummerus.

“Halla helle is the Magic Mountain of Sáminess.” -Helsingin Sanomat

SÅLE

The Norwegian translation of Juolgevuođđu, is translated by Endre Ruset and Niillas Holmberg. The translation was due when Juolgevuođđu was nominated for the Nordic Literature Prize in 2020. Illustrations by Inga-Wiktoria Påve. Order from the publisher DAT.

Jalkapohja

Jalkapohja is the newest poetry collection of Niillas in Finnish, published by Gummerus in 2019. The book is also a major work of illustrations by the Saami artist Inga-Wiktoria Påve.

“Top of the poetry year 2019.” - Turun Sanomat

Juolgevuođđu

Juolgevuođđu is the sixth book of poetry by Niillas, published by DAT in 2018. The book is also a major work of illustrations by the Saami artist Inga-Wiktoria Påve. Order here.

Jalatald

Jalatald is the Estonian translation of the awarded poetry collection Juolgevuođđu. It is translated by Ott Heinapuu and published by Allikaäärne.

Der dem Wind auf dem Schoß sitzt

A German volume of Niillas’ poems, translated from North Sámi by Katrin Merz. Published by hochroth Verlag. Order here.

Roađđi

Roađđi is a poetry compilation by Niillas Holmberg and Inger-Mari Aikio, published in 2016. It is a trilingual edition: Sámi, Spanish and English. Order here.

Oaidnaleapmai, Čáhcesiellu

Niillas' fifth collection of poems was published by DAT in July 2016. The book is written in Northern Sámi. Order here.

The Way Back

Niillas’ fourth collection of poems was published by Francis Buotle Publishers in 2016. It is his first book in English. Order here.

Jos itseni pelastan itseltäni

Niillas’ first collection of poems in Finnish was published by Palladium Kirjat in 2015. Illustrations by Hanna Lehikoinen. Order the book from Palladium Kirjat.

så den fremmede ikke blir mer fremmed

A Norwegian translation of amas amas amasmuvvat, published in late 2015. Translated by Rawdna Carita Eira. Order here.

amas amas amasmuvvat

Niillas’ second book written in Northern Sámi, published by DAT in 2013. The book won the Saami Council’s Literature Prize 2014. It was also nominated for the Nordic Council’s Literature Prize in 2015. Illustrations by Antti Väre. Order here.

Dego livččen oaidnán iežan

Niillas’ debut collection. Published in 2009 when he was 19 years old. Illustrations by Antti Väre. The book is sold out.

BOOKING / Contact

niillas.holmberg@gmail.com