The Sami are one of the world’s indigenous people and one of Sweden‘s official national minorities. This minority status means that they have special rights and that their culture, traditions and languages are protected by law. 2023 marks 30 years since ‘Sametinget’ – the Sami Parliament – was inaugurated in Sweden, following decades of organised Sami political work for autonomy. Established in 1993, Sametinget is both a parliament and a government agency, with its largest office in Kiruna in the very north of Sweden. The parliament is made up of 31 members, elected for four years, who convene three times a year. Those on the Sami electoral register – open to who speak Sami and define themselves as part of Sami society- are eligible to vote (from the age of 18). As a government agency, the Sami Parliament has the daily responsibility of taking care of tasks concerning Sami culture, languages and Sami industries such as reindeer herding. It serves directly under the Swedish Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Photos:
1. Mikael Svensson/Scandinav/
imagebank.sweden.se
2. Marie Enoksson
3. Tina Stafrén/imagebank.sweden.se
4. Staffan Widstrand/imagebank.sweden.se
#IndigenousDay #IndigenousPeoplesDay
