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He speaks passionately of the “four legs”, intimately connected. During the celebration of the Sami National Day today, February 6, culture, history and language will be highlighted. But at the same time, says Lind, we must not shy away from “all that remains to be done.”
– We have to go further in Sweden with these issues. There is so much in the history of the indigenous Sami people that lies like open wounds. The government is willing to appoint a truth commission. The injustices committed against the Sami must come to light, at the same time that we must confront the racism, hatred and threats to which the Samis are still exposed, says Amanda Lind, who believes there is now “momentum” to move forward .
Also in the Nordic countries Neighboring countries are subject to litigation with truth commissions. It also says that last year the government appointed a truth commission for the national minority Tornedalingar, Kvän and Lantalaiset. Lind emphasizes that an equivalent for Sami must be anchored among those it affects.
– When it is appointed, it is very important that it is deeply rooted, that it is based on the Sami people, says the Minister of Culture, who sees the Sami Parliament as a natural party to turn to.
Now a new law is being prepared, with the aim of strengthening the influence of the Sami people over their own affairs. The basic legal concept is called the consultation procedure, which means that the government, state administrative authorities, regions and municipalities should be obliged to consult Sami representatives on matters that may be of particular importance to the Sami.
– The Sami Parliament is one of those representatives, but it can also be Sami peoples and organizations, says Amanda Lind.
Sami National Day is celebrated on February 6.
Photo: Heiko Junge
She describes a situation where “almost all parties” in the Riksdag see the need for a consultation procedure, despite the fact that during the extensive consultation work – two rounds have been required – objections have been raised that have also led to corrections. The proposal is now on the Riksdag’s table for consideration later this spring, although it is unclear what the support will look like.
– But the bill was approved by the Legal Council. We believe that it is a well-balanced bill that will give the Sami people a system of consultation, that is, the right to be heard on issues that concern them. It is about strengthening the rights of the Sami as indigenous peoples. The Sami Parliament is positive and now it is up to the parties to take a position. For the sake of the Sami, it is important that we move forward with the proposal and I am open to dialogue, says the minister.
In the long term, she sees the law as the basis for future work to create a Nordic Sami convention, a process that has been around her neck for many years. The Sámi land, Sápmi, the historical settlement area, knows no borders, but includes areas in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. And even in Russia, even if that relationship is not included in the ongoing negotiations.
Sami as a language it has an inherent complication: in fact, there are several languages. Amanda Lind is aware of the fact that the Sami in Härjedalen do not speak the same Sami as those in Norrbotten. But she says:
– There is a Sami language center, now there are proposals to further strengthen the work and establish two more language centers. This is an issue that is close to our hearts in the Green Party. Ultimately, it is a question of budget work.
Critical in this context is that Sami faces the threat of disappearing. However, Amanda Lind is optimistic:
– I know that many young Sami are eager to pass on their language skills. Give hope.
