In recent years, the Norwegian authorities have actively sought to address many of the past wrongs committed against the Sami peoples. Like many minorities around the world, the Sami suffered ridicule and forced assimilation.
In 1997, King Harald 5 of Norway stood before the Norwegian Sami Assembly to publicly apologise for the appalling behaviour of the Norwegian majority, particularly over the previous two centuries.
This is part of King Harald’s speech: «The Norwegian state is founded upon the territories of two peoples – the Norwegians and the Sami. Sami history is closely interwoven with Norwegian history. – Today, we must apologise for the injustice previously inflicted upon the Sami people by the Norwegian authorities – through a hard assimilation policy. – The Norwegian State, therefore, has a particular responsibility for facilitating the Sami people’s ability to build a strong and viable society. This is a historical right based on the Sami’s presence in their cultural regions, which stretches far back in time».
Today, the Sami sub-cultures and identities are experiencing a resurgence. However, for many, the wounds of the past remain difficult to heal.
NRO.A.9.01 | nrk.no | stortinget.no | Store Norske Leksikon snl.no.