Rut Niska Säfström has long been involved in Tornedalingar i Sverige (STR-T), as reported by Umeå kommun. She has worked to strengthen the community among Tornedalians, according to Umeå kommun. According to Umeå kommun, Rut Niska Säfström described being far from one's roots and homeland in old age as a lonely experience, underscoring the personal motivation behind her efforts.
The exact reasons why the County Administrative Board of Västerbotten chose her for the award, including the criteria for selection and how many other candidates were considered, have not been disclosed. Säfström moved to Umeå in 2022 and is still active in her community work, according to Umeå kommun. The impact of her work on the Tornedalian community in Sweden is not detailed in the available reports.
Being far from one's roots and homeland in old age can be lonely.