– The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has thoroughly documented the serious consequences the Norwegian policy has had for Kven/Norwegian Finns. This is stated by the Minister of Local Government and District, Kjersti Stenseng (Ap). The Ministry of Local Government and District Department (KDD) reports on Friday that the government is now launching work on a new action plan for Kven language and culture. Since the previous action plan “Targeted Plan 2017-2021 – Further efforts in Kven language” has not existed an action plan for the Kven from the Government. – Many partly or completely quit to speak Kvensk. There is no doubt that there is a need for sustained efforts to get more Kven language users, says Stenseng According to KDD, the Government will invite Kven academic environments and organizations to participate in the work on the action plan. – There has been a clear desire from Kven’s team for a new plan of action. I am therefore pleased that today we can publish that we will initiate work on a new action plan for Kven language and culture, says Stenseng. According to Stenseng, it is uncertain when the action plan will be clear, but the collaboration with the Kven organizations will get started quickly. Minister of Local Government and District Minister, Kjersti Stenseng (Ap) Photo: Milana Knezevic / news- We have been waiting for this long leader for the Norwegian Women’s Association, Kristin Mellem tells news that the union is pleased that the government will now work on a new plan of action. – We have been waiting for this for a long time and we are very excited about the dialogue we will have with KDD in the future. It is very important that we get our input. Mellem points out that there is little knowledge of the Kven in the public and in politics because of, among other things, lack of teaching on the topic of the school. – We need this action plan so that it will be a systematic work and not just a project after a project after a project, she says. Newly elected head of Kvääninuoret – Kvenungdomen, M. Seppola Simonsen says that the organization expects the Kven language to be prioritized. – We want the system for Kven to be holistic, that both children, young people and adults should be given the opportunity to learn the language. It is simply necessary for the Kven language to survive, says Hen. Kristin Mellem (left and M. Seppola Simonsen (right) in the face of municipal and district minister, Kjersti Stenseng. Kven’s Federation has recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Local Government and District Department, where they require a coordinated efforts for Kven language. is about acceptance that we can accommodate more languages in Norwegian society and that Sami and Kven should be more visible and in use in public, says Sami Council Runar Myrnes Balto to news. Myrnes Balto points out that both Sami, Kven/Norwegian Finns and forest fins were hit by the Norwegian, and that the Sami Parliament has committed to support the women’s claim for repair measures. – We read the letter from the Norwegian Kveners Association and completely agreed with the content. Therefore, it was right for us to send a letter of support to the government, which shows that the Sami Parliament is behind the women in this matter, he says. He believes there is no competitive situation between Sami and Kven. – We have great opportunities to achieve things together and by supporting each other. It is right to give the Kven support in the need for proper measures for Kven language and culture in the years to come, he says. Head of the Norwegian Kveners Association, Kristin Mellem, appreciates the support of the Sami Parliament. – Sami and Kven have similar experiences in the face of the Norwegian policy. The women have been left far behind and it is gratifying that more and more people recognize the Kven, says Mellem. – We believe the three tribes of the three tribes must be the new platform for community building and reconciliation. The Sami Parliament’s decision shows that they want good neighborhoods. We appreciate that. Sami Council Runar Myrnes Balto supports the Kven’s demands for increased efforts in Kven language. Photo: June Grønnvoll Bjørnback / news hopes the government will listen to the Sami Council hopes that the government will take the claim from the Norwegian Women’s Association seriously. – We hope the government will listen. And then we can hope that the support and solidarity of the Sami Parliament can help to make something happen, says Myrnes Balto. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, which was presented last year, has pointed to the need for comprehensive measures to rectify the damage to the Norwegians of Norwegianity to the minority languages. – It is now that we must act if Kven language is to have a future, concludes Myrnes Balto. Published 14.03.2025, at. 15.00
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