Dear all, Have you heard the sound of a forest water just as the water freezes to ice? The sounds vary from loud, bright and music-like sounds, to more droning and strong sounds. It is nature itself that speaks. It is a gift to be excited by this, and that gift comes from your own soul. Nature is changing. Irreplaceable nature, species and plants are disappearing at an ever faster rate. We also experience that the seasons are wilder and more unpredictable than before. Many derive their livelihood from what nature can provide, but climate change is challenging this. Climate-related crises are already draining all the strength of those who live off nature, and their families. Tearing nature down ultimately affects us as humans. This year, the Sámi Parliament has established a children’s forum where the voice of Sámi children will be heard. The first statement from the children’s forum was about the fact that they need more teachers. The children also want all teachers to have better knowledge of Sami relations. “It’s nice and important to learn about the past,” they said, but our children also expect to learn about the present to prepare for the future. In order to secure the Sami language for the future, we must be more successful in getting more Sami teachers and kindergarten teachers. Therefore, we agree with the government that this year a report to the Storting will be submitted on how we can recruit more Sami teachers and Sami kindergarten teachers. This year, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will deliver its report and its proposals for measures. The Storting has established the commission to examine the Norwegianization policy against the Sami, Kven and Forest Finns. We are all living in the aftermath of this policy. It has caused a lot of pain and a stroke of the pen will not be able to free us from its consequences. It must be done through processing the findings the commission has made after they have spoken to over 650 truth witnesses. “Don’t make us cry for no reason,” someone said at a public meeting before the commission was established. I think about that every day. On the coast and in the Sea Sami communities, the consequences of Norwegianization have been particularly strong. It has led to concealment, denial and loss of language, culture and Kofte. This year we have set aside funds for a project called Borjjadat. This means that the boat sets sail. Our goal is to bring about legislative changes that recognize our right and opportunity to make a living from what the sea gives us. Our right to fish for salmon must also be safeguarded. This must happen at the same time as measures are taken to strengthen Sami language and culture in Sea Sami areas. We must base this, among other things, on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Elle Sáve Gaup is a young chef who has started the Instagram account Njálggat, which means tasty. Here are food recipes and tips on how we can cook food from traditional ingredients in modern times. Our food is important, which is why the UN has recently launched an indigenous coalition to secure indigenous food systems. Food safety, knowledge of our renewable resources and securing this knowledge in the future is of great importance. The horrific war in Ukraine affects us all. Costs are increasing, family poverty is increasing, and it is worrying that more and more people in society are struggling to keep their finances together. Our elderly, the students, the primary industries and also those who live alone feel the changes in their lives. The Sámi Parliament will have increased efforts on this in the future. We also have our Sami brothers and sisters on the Russian side in mind in our work. The people in the South Sami area must have a fair future. The Fosen case has still not been followed up. It is absolutely central in a rule of law that court decisions are respected. I must therefore demand that this happen. Sápmi lives under enormous pressure on the land and under the weight of energy policy that challenges us all. We are fighting for a future, because our culture and way of life are linked to nature and what nature can give us. When nature itself falters, then we also falter as humans. Taking steps in a different direction can mean a different life for many of us. Living more from, in and on the resources that nature gives us is the foundation that generations have built for us and that we have a responsibility to hand over to future generations. When spring comes, the ice on the forest water melts and breaks with the same impressive sounds. With that power spring awakens nature so that we have something to live on, with the same power and will we can create a better and fairer world. Happy New Year!
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The President of the Sami Parliament’s New Year’s speech: – We fight for the future – news Sápmi
