2 | 2011 summer news of

the littlest growing up in norway No Kidding Around: It’s Good to Grow up in Norway

Royal Norwegian Embassy dear readers, 2720 34th Street, Northwest he United Nation’s annual Human Washington, D.C. 20008 Development Report has for several 202.333.6000 Tyears named Norway one of the best www.norway.org countries in which to grow up. Norway’s Ambassador to the all-inclusive healthcare system and low- Wegger Chr. Strommen priced childcare make a good foundation. Counselor, Communications Child mortality is low, and parents get time Jannicke Jaeger off to nurture their children during the first Editor year of life. Kenneth Krattenmaker In recent years, increasing numbers of men have opted to take parental leave. It is tuition-free postsecondary education. So by the most natural thing to see men walking the age of 18, Norwegian youth have gained baby strollers in the middle of the day, on economic independence to pursue (tuition- their way to meet other dads for lunch at free) college degrees, with assistance from a local café. The option for both parents government student loans and scholarships to bond with their babies is a result of a that help pay living expenses. political decision, and is something that As you will learn in this issue of News of 150 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1300 Ottawa, K2P 1P1 Norwegians think is a good thing. Norway, Norwegians believe that how chil- 613.238.6571 In Norway, the majority of both men and dren are raised and taught academic skills www.emb-norway.ca women work outside the home. Although is a matter of challenging both mind and Ambassador to this certainly is a result of personal choice, body. The Norwegian experience, with early Else Berit Eikeland gender equality has been on the political hands-on learning, is that play motivates agenda for a long time. We see that both children to learn about anything. In Norway, parents have aspirations for a paid job and we think that being outside and interacting career, but they also want to start a family. with nature provides teachers and stu- SUBSCRIPTIONS In fact, the fertility rate in Norway is among dents with amazing learning opportunities. News of Norway (ISSN: 0028-9272) the highest in Europe. Equally important is that physical activity is published by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, it is builds the foundation for a balanced and magazine was founded in 1941 and now more common to have a third child, healthy life. The Skogfjorden language camp reaches 37,000 subscribers in the and maybe more. This could not have hap- in Minnesota (see page 6) is one example of United States and Canada. For a free pened without affordable childcare. The how this learning philosophy has spread to subscription, write or call with your collective logic is that childcare is an invest- other countries. name and address, or send an email to: ment in the next generation. The same —Jannicke Jaeger [email protected] is true for the public school system and Counselor and Head of Communications

From the Editor

Roughly 5 million people live in Norway. newest regular feature, Norwegian Profiles dress in the masthead, and we’ll see what They are farmers, schoolteachers, legisla- (see page 10). In each issue, we will profile we can do to make it happen. tors, shopkeepers, computer programmers, everyday Norwegian citizens to give you an I hope you enjoy the profile of Morten retirees and geologists, people from all up-close look at how they live: what they do Holst. He’s a fascinating — and very busy — walks of life, each with a story to tell. for a living, what their family lives are like, man living in a part of the world we in the Morten Holst of Svolvær is a fisherman, a what they do for fun. United States don’t always hear much about. father, a grandfather and an entrepreneur. Would you like to see us profile a Nor- In the coming months, we’ll tell you about For 130 days each year, he’s at sea catching wegian in a particular line of work? Do you more of his countrymen and -women, using halibut, mackerel and cod. When he’s not know of a singularly interesting and accom- Norway Profiles to introduce you to a wide fishing, he runs his own adventure-tours plished Norwegian we should profile in an swath of Norwegian society. business, taking day-trippers kayaking, upcoming issue? That’s one down, 4,999,999 to go. bungee-jumping and skiing. If so, feel free to e-mail me at editor@ —Kenneth Krattenmaker Holst is the subject of News of Norway’s norway.org or send me a letter at the ad- Editor

2 | news of norway | summer 2011 Photo © Innovation Norway. CREDIT: Nancy Bundt/www.visitnorway.com The University of is but one possible destination for Norwegian students. the norwegian educational system A brief overview by kenneth krattenmaker

n Norway, schooling is mandatory for a Sami districts, students devote additional secondary school are often combined into period of 10 years, from age 6 to 16. The time to the study of the Sami language, cul- one, with children of different ages taught Ischool year roughly parallels the Ameri- ture and traditions, using textbooks written in the same classroom, reminiscent of the can school year, running from mid-August in Sami. one-room schoolhouses that have all but to late June. All schooling in Norway is free, In contrast to American primary schools, disappeared from the American landscape. from primary school through university. Norwegian Barneskole do not provide report cards. Students do however take tests, which upper secondary school primary school give parents an idea of how they’re perform- From ages 16–19, students may choose to From ages 6 to 13, Norwegian children at- ing, and teachers will communicate with attend upper secondary school (Videregående tend Barneskole, primary school. In the early parents if they see a student falling behind. skole). There, they will decide whether to years, where American schools increasingly Schools must provide day care before and pursue general studies or vocational studies, emphasize learning, Norwegian schools tend after school for students in the first four with many sub-tracks available within each. to focus on socialization and the develop- grades, to accommodate working parents. General studies prepares students for higher ment of motor skills; there’s a strong em- education, while vocational studies prepares phasis on play. However, students do learn lower secondary school them for various trades. There’s much less the alphabet, some basic arithmetic, and From ages 13 to 16, students attend Ung- social stigma associated with vocational beginning English. domsskole, upper secondary school. This is training in Norway than there tends to be In subsequent years, the following courses where they begin to receive grades, which in the United States, and tradespeople can are taught, following the national curricu- will help determine whether they will be make an excellent living. (See page 10 for a lum: Christian knowledge and religious and able to attend their high school of choice. profile of a fisherman who is doing very well ethical education, Norwegian, mathemat- The curriculum expands to allow the for himself.) ics, social studies, arts and crafts, science students to each pick one elective, often a and the environment, English, music, home second foreign language course such as Ger- higher education economics and physical education. man, French or Spanish. In general, students attend universities or The national curriculum also requires The population is so sparse in some re- colleges to pursue courses of study that pre- some education in Sami culture. In certain gions of Norway that the primary and lower pare them for particular career paths. n

norway.org | 3 by jan-terje storaas nature and nurture themed daycare puts kids in their element

orway is a land of great natural Norway a large number of novel, outdoor- Lindgren. She explains that she chose to beauty, and Norwegians are known based daycare (friluftsbarnehage) centers leave mainstream daycare so that she could Nas active people who want to spend have cropped up in recent years. “reclaim the lost time”: Even though most as much time as possible outside enjoying This isn’t just summer camp, or a brief daycares in Norway include outdoor time the country’s splendor. Whether they’re outdoor recess; the children spend almost and exploring nature as part of the cur- strolling lazily around a lake on a Sunday every minute of almost every single day riculum, she found that a lot of her time afternoon, kayaking through the fjords, or outside, in the elements, rain or shine, snow was lost to meetings, phone calls and other taking week-long hikes in the mountains, or sleet. administrative duties. Norwegians can often be found outside. The trend started in the 1990s as a reac- Moving the children outside reduced But in recent years, television, computer tion to children’s increasingly passive life- those distractions and interruptions, and games, and other technological advance- styles. By 1998, there were approximately both the children and the adults could focus ments have made indoor life increasingly 30 outdoor-based daycares in Norway; now, on learning, exploring and growing together, enticing, especially to children. (See the the number is well past 300. essentially getting back the time that admin- article on page 12 about Play Again, a docu- Kari Aas is the owner and operator of an istrative tasks had previously “stolen” from mentary that tackles this problem.) outdoor daycare called Villvettene, which the kids. In response to the alarming trend toward is named after creatures in the children’s Even though Villvettene has a building, couch-potatoism among the young, across book Ronja the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid it is rarely used during the day; it serves

4 | news of norway | summer 2011 e tt n . Vi llv e sy c ourt p hotos all mostly as a place for parents to drop the no typical day ment reported that “Research shows that in children off and pick them up. The rest of Asked what a typical day is like at Villvet- nurseries where nature is an important part the day, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., tene, where kids range in age from 2 to 6 and outdoor play is encouraged, the chil- is spent outside, every day, every season, no years, Aas’s immediate answer is that there dren play more imaginative games. In such matter what the weather brings, developing is no such thing, since every day is different. daycares the pace is slower, there are fewer motor skills, learning to look at the world, But most days are spent at or near the day conflicts, the children are less sick, have developing their social skills and vocabular- care’s campsite, which features a big lavvo better concentration, and better developed ies, and so on. (similar to a teepee), where the children can motor skills than children in daycares with Themed daycare can mean anything from warm up on a particularly cold day, snooze limited space. Children who play in nature outdoor daycares like Villvettene, where vir- between activities or enjoy a healthy meal. get better coordination, better balance, bet- tually the entire school day is spent outside, All meals are cooked on an open fire or us- ter sense of direction and more strength.” to farm-based daycares, where the children ing a camp stove, and the kids all help with In a world where children’s freedom take part in every aspect of farm life, from the planning and preparation. seems threatened by technology, liability collecting eggs to baking bread, helping So do the children at Villvettene learn concerns and bureaucracy, it is refreshing feed the animals or witnessing the birth of a anything, or are they just out having fun? and reassuring to know that sometimes lamb. Others focus on the children’s creative Aas says that their educational needs are the answer lies in simply getting back to sides, offering an environment where arts being met through their activities in nature, nature. n and crafts and creativity are the driving where the instructors take every opportu- forces. nity to integrate learning with play. Every Above left: Children play near a lavvo. The Norwegian government subsidizes activity provides the opportunity to develop Above right: A child tries on a hat made of daycare, covering most of the cost, and social skills, fine and gross motor skills, and moss at Villvettene’s outdoors-themed day- parents get to choose where to enroll their problem-solving skills. care. children, so daycares must market them- A 2009 white paper on day care present- Below: Four friends in life vests think safety selves skillfully. ed by the minister of education to parlia- first as they prepare for a day on the water.

norway.org | 5 it takes a (language) village by urd millbury

ne of the most common questions Skogfjorden veteran who attended the camp plumbing. They are named after Norway’s the Embassy receives is, “How can for four years before returning to work as a largest cities, spanning Kristiansand in the OI learn to speak Norwegian?” It’s member of the staff, and later a volunteer. south to Tromsø in the north. a language spoken by fewer than 5 mil- While at Skogfjorden, villagers are given Scattered among the authentic architec- lion people and ranked 144th globally, so the chance not only to discover Norwegian ture of Skogfjorden are spirited installations resources can be hard to find. But don’t de- language and culture but also to discover that encourage and inspire exploration into spair: they exist, in the United States and in themselves by trying on a new persona, the bountiful heritage of Norwegian culture. Canada, as well as in Norway for those who adopting a Norwegian name. Installations such as Ráfi Ája and Trollfjord would like the full immersion experience. Sarah Hansen’s adopted name is Hannah. act as multipurpose gathering places that Located near Bemidji, Minn., is Concordia “In my social life, I’m much more Hannah combine art and nature. Language Villages’ and than I am Sarah,” she says. These installations give villagers a place culture immersion camp, Skogfjorden. Every At Skogfjorden, villagers sing, speak and to contemplate their relationship to the summer, hundreds of kids from across the play in Norwegian. The operative word in natural world and embrace the natur og United States gather to learn about Nor- any Concordia Language Villages experience friluftsliv (nature-centered) aspect of the wegian life through immersion education. is immersion, as each child who attends is Norwegian lifestyle. Every activity becomes a lesson in language, enveloped in language and culture through- “Exploring our village site for sacred from sports and games to song and dance. out his or her stay. spaces is a natural part of what we do,” “We’re living our life, but we’re living Counselors from the United States join says Tove Dahl, dean of Skogfjorden and it in Norwegian,” says Sarah Hansen, a native Norwegian speakers to engage with Associate Professor at the Department of villagers and share experiences using vo- Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway. cabulary repetition and gestures to increase “It connects kids to a place, to ideas, to understanding and retention. Sessions vary experiences, to Norway.” between one-, two-, and four-week pro- Since opening its doors in 1963, Skog- grams, with four-week participants gaining fjorden has pursued the vision of peace the additional benefit of earning high school and understanding inherent at Concordia language credit. Language Villages by introducing learners to Four-day Adventure Day Camp sessions the language and culture, a feat made even are also available for 6- to 11-year-olds. Nu- more prevalent through the use of a curricu- merous scholarships are available through- lum designed around the concept of peace out the year to aid the ambitious young based on examples from Norway and funded villagers bold enough to apply. by the Norwegian-American Foundation. Spend time at Skogfjorden, and you will In 2012, Skogfjorden will celebrate its come across countless pieces of Norwe- 50th anniversary. gian art and architecture. Villagers live in “Bridges are a theme for us in 2011,” says a dormitory-type setting, sleeping in bunk Dahl. ”Bridges, after all, connect people. For beds. The nine beautiful Nordic inspired our 50th celebration, we want to connect to cabins are designed for year-round dwell- our village family and friends from the past, ing with carpeting, electricity and indoor present and future.” n

6 | news of norway | summer 2011 Norwegian language resources language camp in the u.s. Skogfjorden, Concordia Language Villages: www.concordialanguagevillages.org language camp in norway Norgesskolen: An annual opportunity for children ages 9 to 18 from around the world to live in Nor- way for three weeks. Students will receive Norwe- gian language instruction, social studies and history in the picturesque setting of Tomb, Råde. Camp a L anguag e Vi llag s Con c or di a e sy th i s p r e a d c ourt p hotos A ll participants will also enjoy indoor and outdoor activities and field trips, expanding their knowledge of Norwegian culture and scenery. The program is run by the Norse Federation. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.norgesskolen.no. online classes Norskskolen: Provides free tutoring for 1st to 10th grade students in Norwegian language and Norwe- gian social studies. The program is sponsored by the Norwegian government. The program is taught through an advanced online learning management system. The average workload is about 120 minutes per week. See www.norskskolen.com for details.

Globalskolen: Free education in Norwegian language, social studies, and religion and ethics for students in primary and secondary school. Also applies to students who have Norwegian as a sec- ond language. Expected study time is a minimum 90 minutes per week. A semester lasts 15 weeks. Teaching is online and weekly based. Globalskolen was started in 1998, and with 1,200 students in February 2011 it is the largest complementary Nor- wegian school for students abroad. The program Facing page, upper right: A has been approved by the Directorate of Education. participant in International Day See www.globalskolen.no for details. at Concordia Language Villages, where Skogfjorden Villagers show University of North Dakota: Beginning Norwegian their Norwegian pride at Waldsee, launched in Spring 2011, with a follow-up second the German Village. semester to be offered in Fall. This online NORW Facing page, lower left: Adventure 102 is a four-credit, semester-based course. Cost Day Camps in Skogfjorden are is approximately $1,200 with tuition and fees. See great ways for younger Villagers http://distance.und.edu/ or call 1-800-CALL UND to unleash their inner troll. (or 1-800-342-8230). Above: Staff from Skogfjorden rally the Villagers to sing and local classes in the u.s. cheer at International Day. Local classes and conversation groups for children Upper left: Each morning, Skogf- or adults are often offered by Sons of Norway and jorden Villagers proudly raise the the Norwegian Church Abroad (Sjømannskirken). Norwegian flag. Please check with you organization locally. Lower left: Tove Dahl, left, the www.sjomannskirken.no/english. dean of Skogfjorden, participates www.sofn.com. in a song-and-dance routine with Villagers.

norway.org | 7 Norwegian anti-bullying the children’s advocate campaign headed for Oregon in a world run by grownups, who speaks n 2003, the Center of Behavioral Re- for children? in norway, the ombudsman for search at the University of Iin Norway introduced an anti-bully- children makes sure the youngest are heard. ing program, ZERO. Columbia Educa- tional Designs (CED) has joined forces by per andreas windingstad larsen with the university to bring the program to Oregon. Long-term, the program will ust think about it: Children have no be implemented in neighboring states vote and few opportunities to demand and parts of Latin America. Jtheir rights. Their interests are not According to the Oregonian, more always represented in political processes or than 40 percent of 8th graders in decision-making. Children’s input is not so- the state report being subjected to licited when important decisions are made. name-calling, bullying or other harass- This is why the Norwegian Parliament in ment at school, with the highest rates 1981 decided to establish a commissioner, among students of color, girls and gay or ombudsman, with the sole purpose of students. protecting children and their rights. Since Similarly, as California State Rep- that year, the Ombudsman for Children in resentative Ben Hueso notes, “School Norway has worked continuously to im- bullying statistics show that 77 percent

prove national and international legislation r. hj e rmann’s o ffice e sy c ourt of students are bullied mentally, ver- affecting children’s welfare. Ombudsman for Children Reidar Hjermann bally and physically almost on a daily basis. These statistics are increasingly taking children seriously The Ombudsman for Children is appointed viewed as an important contributor to The ombudsman is tasked with the protec- by the government but independent of it, youth violence, including homicide and tion of children, whether shielding them and spends a good deal of his time criticiz- suicide.” from domestic violence and sexual abuse; ing authorities. “I can say what I want to Studies indicate that ZERO programs helping the children of divorced parents; say, whenever I want to say it,” Hjermann in Norway have reduced bullying by 30 guaranteeing children’s access to health said. By publicly chiding government of- to 50 percent. CED hopes to duplicate care; providing for the needs of children ficials, he does what the Ombudsman for those numbers in the U.S. and Latin with disabilities; or tackling juvenile justice, Children is supposed to do: bring attention America. indigenous rights, issues related to minori- to issues important to children. “I have no The ZERO program takes a no- ties and immigrants, bullying at school and tolerance approach to bullying and the effects on children of new technology. “I can say what I want to say, has two main aims: to reduce bullying The current ombudsman, Mr. Reidar Hjer- whenever I want to say it. The among students and to enhance schools’ mann, was appointed in 2004. With a back- capacity to prevent and stop bullying ground in clinical psychology for children authorities have to listen.” in the long run. Implementation of the and adolescents, he stresses the importance —Reidar Hjermann program involves the student council, of treating each child as an individual. parents and school staff. Each school “Children are often seen as the property formal power, but have power neverthe- develops its own action plan through of adults, but I am concerned with advanc- less. The authorities have to listen to me,” collaborative discussion. Finally, the ac- ing the child’s individual rights,” Hjermann Hjermann said. tion plan will be binding for the school’s told News of Norway. He gives the office of The ombudsman office takes on the role prevention, inspection and intervention the Ombudsman for Children credit for what of a politician on behalf of the children and of bullying even after the program is he calls “great improvements” in Norway the role of an activist when a special case executed. the last 20 years. “Children’s rights are now needs attention from the authorities and the The Executive Director of CED, Les- protected by law. For instance, physical media. The office may function as the -ad ter Lino, anticipates that the program punishment is prohibited,” he said. viser for children, parents, professionals and will be a success. “It is an exciting op- In addition to protecting children, Hjer- organizations regarding children’s interests. portunity for us to work with our part- mann seeks to give children and youth a It initiates projects and conducts research to ner in Norway to bring a proven model voice. Thanks to persistent advocacy by the collect information concerning children. to help children both in the United Ombudsman for Children, 20 municipalities There is no direct equivalent to The States and Latin America. Bullying is a will lower the legal voting age from 18 to Ombudsman for Children here in the U.S., serious problem, which we need to take 16 year as part of a trial project in the 2011 which is unfortunate, according to Hjer- seriously,” said Lino. local elections. “Participation is very impor- mann. “I would very much like to have an —Thor Steinhovden tant,” Hjermann said. American counterpart,” he said. n

8 | news of norway | summer 2011 little canadian schoolchildren study on the prairie life ca. 800 AD submitted by the royal norwegian embassy in ottawa

he Vikings have arrived in the middle “Recreating the year 800 was our greatest of the . Yet, instead challenge. You can’t go to the local mall and Tof fleeing these invaders, the local purchase replica clothing and artifacts from school-aged denizens of Winnipeg, , the Viking period,” said Denesovych. “One are flocking to sample what life à la Viking of the hardest item to track down was adult might have been like in the year 800 AD. sized patterns for costuming. Although the In cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Internet has patterns, they are printed on Embassy in Ottawa, Parks Canada, and regular size paper. It wasn’t until we bought the Scandinavian Cultural Centre in the the book written by Nille Glaese that we had province’s capital city, a unique program, success. Even her patterns were challenging, “Everybody Wants to be a Viking,” encourag- but with the help of knowledgeable garment es children in Grades 3 and 5 to experience makers and a draftsman we were able to the daily work, customs and cultural tradi- create our own set of clothing patterns.” tions of the Vikings both in Northern Europe The main activities take place in a and in North America. L’Anse aux Meadows simulated Chieftain’s Lodge, complete with National Historical Site in , replica Viking furniture and household items which is operated by Parks Canada, is the on the second floor of the Scandinavian Two students examine Viking chain mail. only known Norse village locale in North Cultural Centre. America, circa 998 AD. “They had a lot of fun decorating their Under the leadership of Natalie Dene- According to one rune stone necklaces and they were thrilled sovych, the honorary Norwegian consul student, “The Vikings to be wearing a Viking jacket,” said Dene- for Manitoba, the school program seeks to sovych. “But the interesting thing was in dispel stereotypes that the Vikings were only ate pretty good!” how the children commented on how well pillagers and plunderers. The interactive, the Vikings ate.” educational program focuses on more docile In this lodge, school children meet The children were surprised to learn that pastimes such as trading and maintaining a trained volunteer actors who intensify the the Vikings ate blueberries and raspberries. Viking community. experience with their authentic costumes The actor who was making the “fake stew” and personalities. Children chat with Freya, explained that the stew contained meat, A student shows off the necklace she created. the wife of the Chieftain; Gro, the slave carrots, peas, cabbage, onions and leeks, who helps with daily chores; Arne, the prompting a child in attendance to remark, farmer; and Gudrun, the wise woman. They “The Vikings are pretty good!” also meet a woodcarver, a blacksmith, a The program, nearly three years in the shipbuilder, an explorer, a storyteller and a planning, is designed to offer a meaning- fortune-teller. ful field trip for children while meeting The children, who don Viking jackets the schools’ social studies curriculum during the two-hour visit, can also feel the needs. After a successful test run in May, weight of a Viking helmet, which has no the program will officially open in October horns — a surprise to most visitors — heft 2011, and will run in one-week blocks twice a non-lethal sword and axe, card wool, or a year. Funding has come from a mix of handle hack silver used in trading. Young private and public donations, including from visitors learn to write their names using the clubs that make up the Scandinavian rune stones and take home a unique neck- Cultural Centre, the Consulates of , lace. Visitors are invited to sample flatbread Norway, Denmark and Sweden, the Danish and an apple drink, and to watch as skilled and Norwegian Embassies in Canada. Local artisans demonstrate chain mail making, volunteers enthusiastically make up the tablet weaving and woodcarving. backbone of the project. n p hy p hotogra b ot tal b ot, tal b o b y p hotos

norway.org | 9 Norwegian Profiles catch of the day by hanne marie willoch

Photo by Steinar Jøranstad The 94-year-old wooden fishing vessel SYMRA on its way in to the “Troll Fjord” with a group of guests.

isherman, businessman and family man: Morten Holst of sick of school and got a job working for a local fisherman. I quickly Svolvær, Norway, juggles three titles and sets of responsibilities. became one of the boys on the ship. We earned good money and FA fisherman by training, Holst is also co-owner of a business spent it all on fun. This was a great time of my life and the founda- that offers extreme nature adventures for tourists. The 42-year-old tion for my choice of profession. Ever since, there have also been also finds time to be a doting husband, father, and grandfather. tough times with bad weather and low seasons, but the excitement Summer is extremely hectic, as Holst is busy not only fishing the and the freedom make me feel very happy when I’m at sea.” North Sea but also dealing with the peak season for his tour service. Both of Holst’s parents, Torunn and Jens, are teachers, but he “Four months out of the year, I work two full-time jobs” he says. says they have always supported his career choice. His younger Holst lives in Svolvær, a town of 4,200, part of a cluster of islands brother is a businessman. called Lofoten. The islands are in the county of Nordland, in the northern region of Norway. Svolvær has a small airport with daily Morten Holst leads a cross-country skiing tour on Møysalen, the highest departures connecting to Bodø and Leknes. mountain in the region. the family man Holst lives with his wife; their three children, Elin, 23, Christian, 19 and Kine, 12; and two grandchildren, Kevin, 3 and Lukas, 3 months. “I became a father early,” he says. “My oldest daughter is determined to stay in Svolvær, as she has established her career here, but my son, who is 17, wants to move to Trondheim to pursue his dream to be a football player. My youngest daughter is 12 years old and active playing football in the summer and Alpine skiing in the winter. Other than that, she spends time on Facebook, like most Norwegian youngsters, and the running-after-boys phase is probably right around the corner.” His grandfather was a fisherman in Lofoten. “Of my grandfather’s 20 grandchildren, I am the only one who followed my family heri- tage and became a fisherman. I was always fascinated by the ocean and dreamed of becoming a fisherman,” Holst says. “At age 16, I was y Frank H ag e n b y Photo

10 | news of norway | summer 2011 i n Gei r M art b y Photo e n H olst M ort b y Photo On a “tare mare” trips, the guests get to be fishermen for a day. Later, Holst, left, and a guide, Erling, on a “Roof of the World” hike to the top they will prepare their catch under a chef’s supervision. of Festvågtinden mountain. the fisherman mind-expanding experiences for those that we take on our trips,” Holst originally trained as a fisherman, and he still works on a fish- Holst explains. ing boat for 130 days a year. This is the traditional profession in this As much as he enjoys skippering the tour boat, Holst intends to area, but over the last 15 years the number of fisherman in the re- keep working as a fisherman, too. And despite the dwindling lum- gion has decreased drastically, he explains. Today’s boats are bigger, bers in his profession, “I am positive about the future here,” Holst and the harvesting equipment has improved to the point where one says. “I believe we will have great cod harvests in the coming years, fisherman can now do what used to be the work of 20. and that will contribute to economic growth in the region. In addi- “Over the last 50 years, the industry has gone from having 40,000 tion to this, the tourist industry has been working hard to increase fishermen to only 3,000 today,” Holst says. This has made the profes- and maintain a steady stream of visitors to Lofoten.” n sion much more exclusive than it used to be, and fishermen often have far above average salaries; it’s not unusual for them to earn As part of a XXLofoten adventure, participants rappel from Engøysund more than NOK 1 million (approximately US$190,000) per year. bridge near Henningsvær. the businessman In 2005, Holst and his three companions created an event agency, XXLofoten, which specializes in taking groups of between five and 500 to Lofoten by boat. Today XXLofoten has grown to employ six hardworking crew members, with Holst serving as skipper. “We tailor the program to each group,” Holst says. “Often we pick them up from the airport and go on a ‘rib safari,’ where we take them in fast motorboats on the fjord to see the small islands and great mountains of Lofoten. This is usually followed by a fishing session from our 50´, 94-year-old wooden fishing vessel,SYMRA . In the end, we disembark to an island with kayaks and prepare lunch with local raw materials and the day’s catch of either cod, mackerel, pollock or halibut.” Some of the outings are more memorable than others. “I espe- cially remember one experience from one of our trips when an American businessman really wanted to see a whale. I laughed and explained to him that unfortunately seeing a whale was not very realistic. One could say that I was not far from speechless when a huge whale suddenly came to the surface a minute later,” Holst says with a laugh. “Later on this particular day I had arranged with my friend, a fighter pilot, that he would make an appearance with his plane above our boat to impress our guests. He first made a loop and then flew so low above us he almost touched the boat. At this point, the American and our other guests were definitely speechless and we felt satisfied knowing that we had created an unforgettable experi- ence for them in Lofoten,” Holst says. “Our main purpose when we first started XXLofoten was to let people experience the greatness of Lofoten’s nature and create e n H olst M ort b y Photo

norway.org | 11 screen time

courtesy Ground Productions play again looks at childhoods removed from nature by pia dahl

t a time when children spend more Through the voices and experience of with nature after getting over the initial first and more play time inside in front of these children, leading experts investigate shock of not having access to video screens Ascreens than outside, a virtual world the consequences of a childhood removed and electronics. We watch them explore the of digitally transmitted pictures, voices and from nature and encourage action for a woods around their campsite, take their scenarios has become more real to this gen- sustainable — and healthier, both physically first swim in a stream and revel in the sheer eration than the world of sun, water, air and and emotionally — future. magnitude of and number of things to play living organisms, including fellow humans. Schei raises a provocative question: How with outdoors. Gradually they start using Today, the average American child spends can younger generations be expected to take their own imaginations, leaving many of more than eight hours each day in front of a care of the environment when they grow up them inspired to separate themselves from television, computer or other type of video if they have never experienced or learned to screens when they return from their wilder- screen. While screen time can be positive appreciate it? ness adventure. in certain respects — for example, because The filmmakers check back in with the technology can disseminate vital facts and “Children today have little children after their return to civilization, encourage the flow of information — it is time for free play. They stop and we learn that many of them have traded also a cause for worry that these children are in much of their screen time for life in the almost entirely out of contact with the natu- reflecting on their own.” real world, although one girl in particular ral world. It is predicted that one generation —Tonje Hessen Schei has made the rather dismaying decision to from now, most people will have spent more return to her screen-centric life. time in the virtual world than in nature. As Charles Jordan, an expert who appears Schei says, “Children today have a full These concerns inspired Norwegian in the film, says, “What they do not know, schedule of structured activities and little director Tonje Hessen Schei to make the they will not protect. And what they do not time for free play. This way they stop reflect- documentary Play Again, a film that follows protect, they will lose.” ing on their own.” She compares this to her six teenagers who spend between five and Schei got the idea for the film from a own childhood, where she grew up roaming 15 hours a day in front of screens. Play study that showed that children could easily around the woods year round, a stark con- Again unplugs these teens and takes them recognize many different commercial brands trast to how her own children are growing on their first wilderness adventure without and logos but almost no plants in their own up. Schei claims that for her, nature is where electricity, taking them onto a journey into backyards or surroundings. she finds meaning and inspiration, perspec- the “real reality.” As children today often learn about nature tive and peace. One of the teens gazes in awe at the through the media and their focus on natural However, Schei emphasizes that Play wonders of nature that surrounds him and disasters, they tend to fear nature rather Again is not an anti-technology film, but a utters one of the film’s funniest, yet most than find their own awe and wonder in it. reminder that it is important to think care- heartbreaking, lines: “This is cool. It’s, like, It is touching to watch the “unplugged fully about children’s screen time and not let more realistic than videogames.” kids” in Play Again as they start connecting technology take full control. n

12 | news of norway | summer 2011 Norway Caucus Q&A With Rep. Erik Paulsen auls e n’s o ffice . p sy r ep e sy c ourt

In January 2011, Congressman Erik Paulsen Finally, I graduated from St. Olaf College been natural allies. I am reminded of an (R-MN) was sworn in to serve his second term in Northfield, Minn., which was founded by example during World War II that exempli- representing Minnesota’s Third Congressional a group of Norwegian immigrants in 1874. fies the deep and historic bond between our District. He is a member of the House Commit- Since then, the college has kept a strong link two countries. tee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdic- to its Norwegian roots. Even the school’s During the dark days of 1942, the United tion over health care, economic and trade fight song retains its Norwegian link and is States Army formed an elite unit made up policy and is the chief tax writing committee based on a Norwegian folk tune. of Norwegian nationals and Americans of in the House. He also served in the Minnesota direct Norwegian descent. The 99th Infantry House of Representatives from 1995–2008, In what areas do you think Norway and the Battalion was created for the possible as- including four years as the Majority Leader. U.S. should cooperate? sault and liberation of Norway, so the men The United States and Norway have worked attached to the battalion were picked for How did you hear about the Friends of Nor- incredibly hard to build a stable and peace- their command of the Norwegian language way Caucus? ful Afghanistan. As an influential member as well as their ability to ski. The multina- Given that more than a million Norwegian- of NATO, Norway provides prudent security tional unit was trained at Camp Ripley in Americans live in Minnesota, the Friends and humanitarian aid guidance to many my home state of Minnesota. These brave of Norway Caucus was a natural fit. When of the hot spots around the globe. Moving men saw combat in France, Belgium and I was approached by Congressman Rick Lars- forward, we can continue to work together Germany before marching into Norway to en from Washington to join him as co-chair help disarm the Nazi occupation in the sum- of the Friends of Norway Caucus, I jumped “At some of the darkest mer of 1945. It is amazing that even now at the chance. Congressman Larsen and I moments in world history, the 99th Infantry Battalion is the only unit have worked together in the past on other of the United States Army with a pure Nor- issues and he will make a great partner to Norwegians and Americans wegian heritage — a heritage which finds help promote the Caucus. have fought side by side in some of its roots in Minnesota. At some of the darkest moments in world history, Nor- Why did you join the Friends of Norway the defense of liberty.” wegians and Americans have fought side by Caucus? —Rep. Erik Paulsen side in the defense of liberty. More than 100,000 individuals of Norwe- This story is symbolic of our relationship gian ancestry reside in my district. Many feel today. As active members of NATO, both our a strong connection to their Nordic roots — toward building constructive dialogue in countries value the importance of democ- preserving a strong interest in the relation- that embattled region and around the world. racy and freedom. Our friendship will only ship between the United States and Norway. We can also work together on global continue to grow as we work together in Co-chairing the Friends of Norway Caucus is issues such as energy independence. Both promoting peace and democracy throughout a great opportunity for me to get involved in our nations are focused on investing in and the world. the conversations between our two nations exploring sustainable energy alternatives. and carry that message on behalf of my con- Norway’s important work in energy develop- Who is your favorite Norwegian artist? stituents back home in Minnesota. ment is a testament to how committed they The artwork of Norway’s Edvard Munch has The relationship fostered over the years are to energy innovation. I believe that intrigued people all over the world — I’ve between the United States and Norway is one when we tackle these issues together, we are always enjoyed his work. But my favorite built upon a common history, deep business setting ourselves up for mutual success. Norwegian artist would have to be Theodor and social ties, and a desire for peace and Kittelsen. His paintings of Norway’s natural the promotion of democracy. This is an op- How would you describe U.S.–Norwegian beauty remind me a lot of my favorite portunity to perpetuate and strengthen the relations? waterways and trails in my home state of important bond between our two countries. The United States and Norway have always Minnesota. n

norway.org | 13 Exhibition Nordic Spirit 2011

he exhibit “Nordic Spirit 2011: Early Norwegian Immigrants The exhibit consists of more than 100 panels of photographs to B.C.” is on display at the New Westminster Museum and provided by families of Norwegian immigrants who settled in British TArchives in through July 17. Columbia. The Norwegian Ambassador to Canada, Else Berit Eikeland, vis- The exhibit was created by Sonja Busch, Judith Anderson, Paul ited the New Westminster Museum and Archives on May 28 to view Erik Rasmussen, Monica Lindzen Weston and Carolyn Thauberger, the exhibit. There she was greeted by Mayor Wayne Wright of New and sponsored by the Norwegian House Society and Scandinavian Westminster. Cultural Society.

Norway Air Group Executive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. During the German oc- cupation of Norway they did what they could to promote and aid the liberation of Norway. After World War II, the group sent aid packages to Norway where the people were without so many basic necessities. Shoes, boots, thread, tins of real coffee and many other items were sent. This aid was recognized when King Haakon VII sent awards to a number of Norwegian- living in British Columbia.

Martha Brue wearing a traditional Norwegian wedding costume (bunad) in Vancouver, B.C., Canada in 1950. The crown was later sent back to Norway.

The Brue family, ca. 1929, with their car in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Son Theodore (Ted), father Jacob, mother Martha (nee Gaukerud) and the daughter of Martha and Jacob, Thelma. Jacob Norwegian Ambassador to Canada Else Brit was a retired store owner, Ted went on to become a policeman and he retired as a Staff Sergeant Eikeland viewing the Nordic Spirit exhibit on from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. May 28, 2011.

14 | news of norway | summer 2011 A Recipe for Summer Recipe by Jan-Erik Hauge

an-Erik Hauge is the Executive Chef at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, JD.C., where he serves more than 4,000 diners per year. Hauge competed in the 2011 Embassy Chef Challenge — a cooking competition involving 13 of the area’s top embassy chefs — and performed well. “Being the residence chef has been a fantastic experience for me,” Hauge told television reporter Holly Morris on April 21 as he prepared a dish for the challenge’s finale. “Working in D.C. gives me the chance to meet many great chefs, and this competi- tion is a great opportunity to connect.” At 21, Hauge was the youngest chef in the competition, which was won by Chef Lars Beese of the Royal Danish Embassy. The competition featured a panel of six judges, which included five chefs and aWashington Post food and travel editor. “It’s an honor to be the Embassy Execu- tive Chef,” Hauge said. “It’s also a great wttg/ f o x 5 n e ws e sy c ourt challenge to always represent your country Chef Jan-Erik Hauge prepares for the Embassy Chef Challenge under the watchful eye of televi- through the food that you prepare.” n sion reporter Holly Morris on Fox 5’s morning news in Washington, D.C.

summer vegetable salad with Start to peel and rinse the vegetables. scallops and lemon vinaigrette Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to water to season. Serves 4 Prepare an ice bath to stop the cooking and cool the blanched vegetables. 12 medium scallops Blanch the turnip, green beans, and 1 pack mixed salad asparagus for 1½ minutes. Remove with a 1 bundle asparagus, stems peeled slotted spoon and put in ice bath 2–3 min- ½ pound green beans, ends trimmed utes to cool. Remove from ice bath, drain 1 jar pickled beets, sliced and dry. 1 red onion, thinly sliced Slice beets, fennel and red onion thin. Set 1 fennel (include the fennel greens/stem for aside. decoration), thinly sliced Heat a small frying pan over high heat. the butter melt before you turn the scallops 2 turnips, peeled, thinly sliced Roast the pine nuts pan until golden. Don’t over. Turn down the heat. Let scallops cook ½ cup pine nuts let them burn or they will get bitter. (Or another 2 minutes, then remove to a plate. 1 lemon place the pine nuts on a baking tray in the Pour the melted butter over them. Let rest. ½ cup extra virgin olive oil oven at 350° for about 7 minutes.) For the vinaigrette, add a pinch of salt, ½ cup of butter (4 filled tablespoons) Pre-heat a frying pan. A scallop has one pepper and zest. Cut the lemon in two, salt and pepper larger and one smaller surface. When the press the juice in a small mixing bowl, then pan is hot, place scallops with the larger stir in the extra virgin olive oil. It’s also Rinse the scallops, dry them with a paper side down. Leave them on that side until good to mix in some of the frying juice from towel and keep them cool until frying. golden. (Consider frying scallops in two the scallops. Wash the mixed salad with cold water. batches if your frying pan is small. If your Mix the vegetable and salad. Plate with The cold water will help keep it crispy while pan is crowded, you will not get good scallops and finish off with pine nuts and you clean it. Dry the salad; a salad spinner is browning on the scallops.) Salt them to vinaigrette. Add some of the fennel greens great for this. Keep cool. taste and then add half of the butter. Let for decoration and serve as pictured.

norway.org | 15 news of norway Royal Norwegian Embassy 2720 34th St., NW Washington DC 20008 202.333.6000 norway.org

on the cover e tt n Vi llv e sy Court Three friends share a hug at Villvettene, one of Norway’s outdoor-themed day cares (see p. 4).

News of Norway is printed on forest-friendly paper. Number of trees saved: 12.39; total energy saved: 8,776,250 BTUs; greenhouse gas reduction: 1,147 lbs.; wastewater reduction: 5,263 gallons; solid waste reduction: 582 lbs. news of norway 2 | 2011 events edmondton new westminster, bc 2011 online reader survey Exhibition: Constructions. Nordic Spirit 2011 (see p. 14), is An exhibition of Norwegian arts and showing at New Westminster Museum Your feedback matters! Help us improve News of crafts (see News of Norway’s Fall 2010 and Archives until July 17. The gal- issue for an article about this event). lery is open to the public Wednesday Norway by telling us who you are, what you like about The Rice Theatre Lobby through Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m. the magazine, and what you would like to see more of Citadel Theatre Complex Admission by donation. in coming issues. Please visit the link below to take a June 23–August 19, 2011. New Westminster Public Library and Archives brief survey (online through the end of August). minneapolis 716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3 norway.org/non Norway Day 604.521.4660 Sunday July 10 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Minnehaha Park Highway 55 & Min- new york nehaha Parkway Carte Blanche at Jacob’s Pillow And be sure to visit Arts and crafts/ethnic & American Dance Festival 2011 norway.org, the foods. Ted Shawn Theatre official site of Norway Barnetog (Children’s parade), 12:45 June 18–August 28 p.m. Features more than 160 free and ticket- in the United States, Invited speaker, 1:15 p.m. ed dance performances including world for information about Gary Gandrud, Norwegian Honorary premieres, U.S. debuts, and live music Consul General from around the globe. Carte Blanche cultural and political Contacts: Shirley/Earl Evenstad is the Norwegian national company of events in the United 612.861.4793 contemporary dance. Wed., June 29–Sat., July 2, 8:00 p.m. States, including films, Sat., July 2 & Sun., July 3, 2:00 p.m. food, performances, www.jacobspillow.org/festival/ press releases and 2011/06/carte-blanche/ much more. See a full listing of events around the U.S. at norway.org/calendar