The struggle of the Sámi people (present in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia) for autonomy, cultural preservation, and the defense of their lands against climate change and extractive industries was highlighted in Guatemala by Tom Sottinen, President of the Sami Parliament of Norway. He spoke during a discussion organized by the Presidential Commission Against Discrimination and Racism (CODISRA) of Guatemala, with support from the Norwegian Embassy and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
During the event, Sottinen emphasized the importance of Indigenous organization, dialogue with states, and collective rights, as well as the similarities and differences with Guatemala’s Indigenous peoples—particularly regarding political representation and environmental threats.
The discussion was attended by Victoria Tubín from the Presidential Commission Against Discrimination and Racism (CODISRA).
During their exchange, Mr. Sottinen highlighted the importance of dialogue in achieving meaningful change in the living conditions and access to opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in general—and for the Sámi people in particular—in their efforts to protect their land and resources, especially in the face of climate change.
The Sámi People
According to Sottinen, the Sámi are a transnational Indigenous people with communities in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia. They are engaged in an ongoing struggle to preserve their culture, language, and traditions, defend their land and resource rights, and pursue economic development rooted in traditional values. The Sámi are traditionally fishers and hunters, relying on the natural resources of the lands they inhabit for survival.
The Sámi people are represented by formal institutions known as the Sámi Parliaments, which exist in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. These national parliaments work together through the Sámi Parliamentary Council to coordinate international efforts, discuss shared concerns, and promote initiatives that safeguard the identity and rights of the Sámi people.
The Sámi Parliament of Norway was established in 1989 after years of advocacy for the recognition of the Sámi people’s specific rights and their ability to exercise greater autonomy over their territories. Sámi communities elect their parliamentary representatives every four years. Although the Parliament has only advisory powers, it plays a significant role in shaping laws and decisions made by the central government that directly affect the Sámi population.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Sottinen noted that building this institution in Norway required time and patience. A key factor in its success was the unity among Sámi communities, fostered through honest and open dialogue about their shared needs and aspirations—such as the preservation and revitalization of the Sámi language.
The Norwegian state recognizes and respects the voice of the Sámi people, not only because of their unity but also due to the strengthening of Sámi identity among younger generations who strongly identify with their collective values. The Sámi Parliament also benefits from a designated budget, which strengthens its ability to negotiate and advocate for needed changes.
The Importance of Collective Rights
Dialogue is essential in the pursuit of collective rights—particularly to identify which rights are of greatest importance to Indigenous Peoples, such as land ownership and the preservation of their languages.
A common challenge is the lack of coordinated efforts when it comes to defending these rights. In this context, sharing experiences with other Indigenous Peoples and learning from their struggles is vital to strengthening collective movements.
Indigenous Peoples of Norway and Guatemala
The Sámi delegation from Norway visiting Guatemala toured several communities in the Guatemalan highlands.
Throughout the dialogue, participants emphasized the importance of organization, autonomy, and gender equity in political representation. They also noted significant differences between the two countries regarding Indigenous Peoples’ political participation and material conditions. Nevertheless, both countries share concerns about the impacts of global warming and the increasing pressure on natural resources.
Sottinen acknowledged that many issues remain unresolved—especially those related to land and territorial rights. While progress is sometimes achieved, many matters require lengthy negotiation processes.
A Core Challenge
One of the most pressing challenges faced today is climate change, along with the exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from energy projects that deprive them of their lands without following the proper consultation procedures outlined in ILO Convention 169.