The Sámi — Norway's Indigenous People

The Sámi (Sámi) are the only recognized indigenous people in Europe and have lived for at least 3,500 years in Sápmi — an area that spans northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. In Norway, about 40,000–60,000 Sámi live, primarily in Finnmark, Troms, and Nordland.

The history of the Sámi in Norway is painful: The Norwegianization policy (fornorsking) from the 19th century to the 1960s systematically attempted to eradicate Sámi language, culture, and identity. Sámi children had to attend Norwegian boarding schools, and Sámi names were banned.

Since the 1970s, a cultural revival has taken place: The Sameting (Sámi Parliament) in Karasjok (established in 1989) represents the interests of the Sámi, Sámi languages have official status, and Sámi culture is experiencing a renaissance — from musician Mari Boine to the joik (traditional singing) to contemporary Sámi art.

For travelers: In Karasjok, you can visit the Sámi Parliament and the Sámiid Vuorká-Dávvirat (Sámi Museum). In Kautokeino, the Sámi Easter Festival takes place — reindeer races, joik competitions, lavvu camps. In Alta, the rock carvings (UNESCO World Heritage) depict the life of ancestors 7,000 years ago.