Sápmi in an uncertain world

Sápmi in an uncertain world 

The indigenous voice is more important than ever

Happy Sámi National Day 6 February! Laahkoeh biejjine! Vuorbbe biejvijn! Lihkku beivviin!

Superpowers with a strong interest in the Arctic and the High North dominate the news. It is about security policy, strategic positions, and access to resources. The power struggle over Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) clearly shows how indigenous peoples' homelands are pawns in a global game.

When tensions between states rise, indigenous peoples can end up in the crossfire. We see this in the Arctic, we see it in Asia, and we see it in the Americas.

The Sámi have also often been pawns in great power politics. In the mid-19th century, the fear of Russia was one of the strongest arguments used to legitimise the harsh Norwegianisation policy. The Sámi, who lived their lives across the young national borders in the north, unnerved the authorities.

Throughout history, indigenous peoples have often been spoken to, and above all spoken about, while their voices have rarely been heard.

When the Sámi pioneer Elsa Laula Renberg assembled the Sámi people for the first Sámi national meeting on February 6, 1917, Norwegianisation was at its most intense. At the same time, the border between Norway and Sweden was about to be closed to nomadic reindeer herding. The pioneers behind the meeting united the Sámi in a common struggle across borders.

History – not least the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report from 2023 – has taught us what happens when decisions are made over people’s heads. It is not a good way to build healthy and sustainable communities. Genuine participation and open democratic processes are fundamental when difficult trade-offs are to be made.

In a troubled world, well-functioning democratic institutions are our most important protection. The Sámi democracy, with the Sámi Parliament at the forefront, is more than a symbol of cultural survival. It also contributes to stability and peaceful development in a multicultural society.

At NRK, we take our responsibility very seriously. As a public broadcaster, we must unite the whole of Norway. Therefore, we must also be an indigenous broadcaster that gives the Sámi a voice and facilitates dialogue across cultures. NRK – with NRK Sápmi in the front – must be a mirror that reflects Sámi society as it actually is, a bridge builder between cultures, and a watchdog that asks the difficult questions. This also entails a critical look at Sámi institutions and people in power.

We fulfil this mission through critical journalism, but also by highlighting Sámi culture in new contexts. Right now, a new, major drama series from NRK – Heajastallan – A Sámi Wedding – is bringing together viewers from all over Norway.

When we share strong and unique stories – across languages ​​and backgrounds – something happens to us. We gain a deeper understanding of each other's lives. It reduces the distance between "us" and "them". Such common references bind our society together. It makes us better equipped to tolerate disagreement.

In September, NRK is proud to host an important conference for indigenous broadcasters from around the world. The conference will hopefully contribute to strengthening the ability of indigenous media to conduct independent journalism and tell their own stories. This feels especially meaningful in turbulent times like these.

February 6 is a day for celebration, but also for reflection. In a world characterised by unrest, this day reminds us of the value of community across borders. We want to develop this further together.

We wish everyone a wonderful celebration. Laahkoeh biejjine! Vuorbbe biejvijn! Lihkku beivviin!