Good people, Even the biggest damage can be repaired if you put the time and effort into it. At Smuk-gården in Lille Ropelv in Sør-Varanger, old Sami houses have once again become living stories about our people’s survival. Sea Sami lived there, close to nature. Descendant Trude Silnes, together with her husband Gjermund Wøhni, has rebuilt the place and saved a precious Sami cultural monument. You also need good materials and a good foundation when building a Sami identity. For many, it is a life project to take back what the Norwegian authorities have taken from them. The mother tongue is the language of the soul, what should have been. We can only imagine what Sami society could have been like if the authorities had not tried to suppress our culture and our way of life. Now we have to find out how to begin to repair the damage that Norwegianization has caused, and is still causing. Reconciliation is the long-term goal. It’s a long and winding road to get there, and much needs to be repaired first. Based on Sami values, we must together raise society’s gammebu, so that all Sami can live well and independently. It is gratifying to see that the number of voters in the Sámi Parliament increases from year to year, and that more people want to take part in Sámi democracy. Everyone has the right to define their Sami identity. Sami craftsmen, teachers, linguists, artists and grandparents are important when we are to repair the damage caused by Norwegianization. Knowledge bearers who share their knowledge with anyone who wants to learn – we cannot do without them. With their help, many of us can find the paths that lead home to our own gamma, to the Sami community. Such as Márjá Karlsen, who weaves a Sami identity with branch weaving and Sea Sami handicrafts, and who wants to sew what Norwegianization took from her. Such as Isalill Kolpus, who with jokes and humor strengthens our Saminess. Or Emil Kárlsen, who started speaking Sami as an adult with the help of songs and joik, and thus builds a language bridge between the generations in his own family history. Sápmi is diverse, and we need everyone who wants to work to develop the Sami society. And even though we are different, we also have a community. The fight for Sami rights takes place in many arenas: Sami parents who fight for teaching in Sami, or relatives who act both as interpreters and carers in Norwegian health services. The frequent shifts in the world economy, and rising prices, affect us all. It is a great paradox that we are all at the mercy of the industry in our self-preservation. Our salmon fishing is prohibited, small-scale agriculture is under pressure and the Sea Sami’s historic right to fjord fishing is not yet recognized in law. Our traditions and knowledge in field harvesting and matauk can be part of the solution in a world where food security and sustainability are major challenges. If we had been allowed to make use of and manage our natural wealth, we would have solved many challenges. Norway has joined the Nature Convention and has promised to preserve 30 per cent of our nature. I expect that Sami interests and our traditional knowledge base will be given a central place. In our culture, there are values that can be useful to others: we have learned that we must take care of mother earth. And we must use our resources sensibly, so that those who come after us also have a basis for life. The turmoil in the world pierces the heart. The war in Ukraine is causing great civilian suffering. And the war has put a complete stop to Sami interaction across borders. At Christmas, we have seen that the crimes against humanity continue in Gaza. It is unacceptable that world leaders allow the civilian population to suffer and that children are killed. We must insist that the crimes against humanity end. In the past year, I have been pleasantly overwhelmed by all the brave Sami youth, and their supporters, who stand up for the rule of law and our legal certainty. With twisted cardigans and woolen jumpers, they have demanded that the violation of human rights at Fosen be stopped. I am so grateful for your efforts. Although the state has made serious mistakes, they have left it to the Fosen Sami to sort out the human rights violation to which they have been subjected. The Fosen Sámi have stretched as far as possible. For Sør-Fosen, an agreement has been reached which may mean security for them in the future. Nord-Fosen is still in mediation, and with new notified land encroachments. The state wants to show that it has learned, but does not change its behaviour. It is no wonder that many people feel discouraged when the state feeds us with hard eggs, while at the same time pressuring us in so many intervention cases. I don’t let it sap my strength. We ourselves know what is best for the Sami. We do not accept being overlooked or stepped on. The state must formally guarantee that a human rights violation like the one at Fosen can never happen again, not when it comes to the Melkøya case or other land and rights cases. The Sami Parliament’s most important work is to ensure that Sami rights are strengthened and recognized. My promise is that the Sámi Parliament will continue to be the one that goes ahead, that carries both the light and the hope for our people’s future. Dear sister, dear brother, dear sibling – you don’t have to walk the road alone, we walk it together. Dear everyone, We must have faith and hope for a better future for all of us. Although it seems hopeless, it is possible to correct the damage caused by Norwegianization. With human will, such as in the restoration of Smuk-gården, it is possible. To the Sami community, I would like to say that in our community there is room for you too. Here you can rest and gather strength even in the worst storms. I wish you all a happy new year.
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The President of the Sámi Parliament with criticism of the government in the New Year’s speech 2024 – news Sápmi
