Sweden and the
Sami People
Legal History of Minorities
Group 4
Introduction
 Sami Culture and History
 Sami Legal Development
 The Situation for the Sami Today
 A quick look at Norway and Finland
 Proposed Constitution
 Conclusion
Sápmi region:
Norway, Sweden,
Finland, Russian
Kola Peninsula
Sami History
 Nordic countries’ only
officially recognized
indigenous people
 70,000 – 100,000 people
 Inhabitation 10,000
years ago
 Hunting, gathering,
reindeer husbandry
(entire herds
domesticated)
Sami Culture
 Some Sami still live in tents.
 10 % earn a living from the
reindeer husbandry
 Meat production, milk, reindeer
skin
 Handicrafts (Duodji)
 Traditional costume (gákti or kolt)
 Sami languages: endangered
Sami Legal Development
 16th century Gustav Vasa stated some rights.
Taxes were to be paid to Denmark, Norway and
Sweden.
 17th century under Kristina’s reign the Sami were
force to work for the mine. Besides, some
farmers settled in their lands without respecting
their rights.
 1751 Sami Carta Magna. Sami people were
allowed to cross the border between Norway and
Sweden.
 20th century: different stages.
First official flag of the
Sami people was
ratified on August 15,
1986
Sami Council in
traditional clothing
Sami Legal Development
 At the beginning of the century the rights of the Sami
were restricted again as a result of the creation of
national parks, the legalization of small game hunting
and fishing and once again the mining industry.
 February 6 in 1917 the first Sami congress was held ->
the Sami People’s Day.
 In half of the twentieth century Sami united to defend
their principles and traditions established:
 The Sami Council.
 In 1977 the Sami were recognized as the indigenous
people of Sweden by the Riksdag (Parliament).
Sami Today
 Sami and Swedish Constitution
 The Government Form: 1st chapter, 2nd article, and last
paragraph
 The Sami people’s and ethnic, linguistic and religious
minorities’ possibilities to keep and develop their own life
of culture and society shall be promoted (act 2010:1408
)
 Sami and the Legal Situation Today
 Reindeer Industry Law (act 1971:437)
 The Sami Council Law (act 1992:1433)
 ILO Convention 169
A quick look at Norway and
Finland
 Not recognized as a minority
in Russia
 Norwegian Constitution:
Sami are protected under
Article 110.
 Sami Parliament-
Reoccurring trends in
Sweden, Finland, and
Norway
 Finland- focus on different
language dialects
Sami Parliament in Norway
Proposed Constitution- Part 1
 Laws related to natural resource extraction should give
clear consideration to the Sami, their livelihoods and their
lands. In the decision processes Sami people and the Sami
parliaments shall be more involved. Compensation for loss
of pasture land due to natural resource extraction and other
projects shall be granted.
Proposed Constitution- Part 2
 The burden of proof relating to land claims and grazing
shall be lessened.
Proposed Constitution- Part 3
 The Swedish Sami parliament as the highest representative
body of the Sami people shall enjoy more independence
from the State institutions and authorities. Taking the
interests of the Sami into full account it shall also be given
the possibility of independent decision making.
Proposed Constitution- Part 4
 Education is the central instrument to uphold the Sami
culture, history, customs and especially their languages.
Therefore, educational programmes shall be made
available to all Sami, in particular to children. The number
of teachers fluent in Sami languages shall be increased.
Additionally, full access to public authorities in their
languages shall be granted to the Sami.
Conclusion
 Compared to past years
and other minorities,
Sweden has taken better
measures to ensure the
protection and well-being
of the Sami people.
 However, Sweden (also
Finland) has not ratified
the Indigenous and Tribal
People Convention (ILO
Convention 169).