Meahccehallan / The Forest Speaks 

Sámi artist Katarina Dorothea Isaksen tells the story of a woman forgotten by history – a woman who was exhibited in a forest on the outskirts of Bergen / Birgon as part of a human zoo in 1897. Máren Márja, from Røros / Plaassja, was one of four Sámi people displayed as a tourist attraction, alongside reindeer, in an area of forest that still bears the name “Lappeleiren.” This name, which remains in use today, contains a racial slur for Sámi people.

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Combining traditional storytelling and archival joik, interwoven with specially composed music by Sámi artist Tuula Sharma Vassvik, this sound work was originally created to be listened to in the forest, on the site of the former human zoo. It raises questions about language and Norway’s shameful colonial history in Sápmi – a history that forced many Sámi communities into poverty and saw Indigenous language and culture systematically erased.

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In response to the work, in October 2025, a proposal was submitted to the City of Bergen to re-evaluate the site’s history and to consider removing or recontextualising the racial slur “Lapp” on its public signage. The proposal was voted down by the current City Council.

Delving deep into a little-known piece of local history, the work connects national political movements with local geography — presenting not only a shocking story of a girl behind a fence, but also unpicking the arcs of history that led to the dehumanising treatment of Indigenous people across the land now known as Norway.

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Originally commissioned by Borealis – a festival for experimental music, and presented in collaboration with Birgon ja biras sámiid searvi (Bergen and surroundings Sámi Association).

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