Norway’s Apology to Indigenous and Minority Groups
Last week, Norway’s Parliament (Storting) issued an apology.
Apology directed at Sami, Kven, and Forest Finns for past assimilation policies.
Purpose: Address continuing discrimination and historical injustice faced by these communities.
History of Norwegianisation
The process began in the 1850s and continued until the 1960s.
Goal: Suppression of indigenous languages, culture, and forced assimilation into Norwegian society.
Methods:
Sami children were sent to boarding schools.
Traditional practices like yoiking (a traditional singing style) were forbidden.
Land rights were restricted, and Christianization efforts targeted indigenous religions.
Who are the Sami, Kvens, and Forest Finns?
Sami: Indigenous people across northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia); reindeer herders; around 100,000 remain.
Kvens: Descendants of Finnish migrants to Norway (500 years ago); speak Kven language (recognized in 2005).
Forest Finns: Immigrants from eastern Finland who settled in Norway and Sweden in the 1500s-1600s.
Truth and Reconciliation Committee
Established in 2018 to investigate past oppression and recommend measures for inclusion.
Released a 700-page report in June 2023 with 17 resolutions for addressing discrimination.
Key Recommendations:
Establish a centre for reconciliation.
Preserve indigenous languages.
Language training for minorities.
Parliamentary Debate
Apology supported by all except the right-wing Progress Party.
Progress Party criticized the apology, claiming “special privileges” for certain groups.
Challenges Faced by These Communities
These groups have less access to healthcare despite Norway’s strong social security system.
Sami communities face ongoing disputes over land use and grazing rights.
2007 law limits reindeer herds, which is opposed by Sami herders.
Indigenous languages are critically endangered, and discrimination continues.
Bullying, hate speech, and negative stereotypes remain common.
Public Awareness and Implementation Gaps
A 2021 survey found 60% of Norwegians knew little about the impact of assimilation on the Sami, and 88% were unaware of the impact on the Kvens and Forest Finns.
There’s a disconnect between legal rights and what is actually delivered, particularly regarding land rights.
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