Juhán Niila Stålka

Sámi joiker and storyteller, based in Jåhkåmåhkke (Jokkmokk), Sápmi.

I work with joik and storytelling to connect the voices of earlier generations with the world we live in today. Much of my repertoire consists of older joiks that have been passed down through my family. Through stories, I give these joiks a context and explore what they can mean in our own time.

My roots

I grew up just north of Stockholm, with my roots in Sápmi. I learnt to joik from my father on our road trips north and spent my holidays with my Áhkko and Áddjá, my grandparents, in their cabin towards Stuor Muorkke (Stora Sjöfallet). Today I live in Jokkmokk, where these family connections, places and memories continue to shape my work.

Joik, stories and the present

My work often touches on colonisation and the exploitation of land and resources in Sápmi. On stage, I want to challenge assumptions and make room for a more nuanced understanding of Sámi culture and contemporary life.

Humour is one of my most important tools. Laughing together can lower our defences and open a space for difficult questions. I am interested in that meeting between laughter, discomfort and curiosity, and in the conversations that become possible there.

Working across art forms

My process is exploratory and collaborative. I like to follow an idea, try it, get it wrong and try again. Conversation is central to how I develop my work, and I am drawn to questions that are difficult or uncomfortable.

Alongside joik and storytelling, I work with acting, dance, poetry, music, photography and film. Collaborations include Ruohttsot and Bådtselit with dancer Jasmine Skog, and the children’s production Nåjden och den vita Renen with Invisible People Dance Company. For the dance film 0,3 p km2, created with Jasmine Skog, I worked with cinematography, editing and photography.

I have performed at venues and festivals including Dramaten, Skansen, Norrlandsoperan and Márkomeannu, and appeared in SVT’s Mij mujttalip – samiska berättelser. My background also includes work as a guide at Ájtte Museum and as a host at Sámi Duodji Sameslöjdstiftelsen.

Carrying joik forward

Joik has been forbidden and silenced, and has often had to survive in secret. Through my work, I want to help keep this intangible cultural heritage alive and pass it on to future generations.

Meet me in Jokkmokk

Through Lillstålka, I welcome guests to Sámi Storytelling and Joiking, a personal encounter with joik and stories by the fire in my traditional låvdågoahtte.

For questions, collaborations or enquiries, write to juhan@lillstalka.com.