Beaska Niillas, from Deatnu on the Norwegian side of Sápmi, is among other things a father of two, traditional Sámi duojár, hunter, gatherer, activist, and politician. Nature has been in the center of his life since his childhood. Growing up the land was his playing field and his friend. He has done a lot of different things in his life, but the only formal education he has is a certificate of apprenticeship in duodji. For a time, Niillas also worked as an actor in both Beaivváš Sámi National Theatre and Giron Sámi Theatre. After that he was a teacher and then went on to work as a fisherman. For the last ten or so years he has been part of the Sámi politics, and has defended land and waters in Sápmi and beyond as an activist.