Labour Party selects Svein Atle Somby as new candidate for Sami Parliament presidency in Tromsø

During the recent Sami political conference in Tromsø, the Labour Party (Ap) selected its new candidate for the presidency of the Sami Parliament. The choice fell on Svein Atle Somby, the mayor of Karasjok.

Somby has been a strong advocate for the recognition of Sami rights to land and water ownership in Karasjok, although a recent decision by Norway’s Supreme Court did not favor their claims. “We lost the property rights, but we will continue to fight in the land tribunal,” he stated, expressing his belief that the issue is far from over. He insists that since these areas have always been inhabited by the Sami, it is only natural for them to govern.

In discussing the Labour Party’s Sami policy, he highlighted significant divergences from the party’s national strategies, particularly concerning the electrification of the Melkøya gas plant in Hammerfest and wind power developments in northern Norway. Somby firmly opposes both initiatives, arguing that the Sami have pressing needs for land and that the reindeer herding industry is vital for indigenous peoples.

Labour Party Secretary Kjersti Stenseng acknowledged that while the Sami policy is distinct, the party must maintain cohesion on broader issues. She emphasized the importance of a respectful dialogue within the party, allowing for diverse opinions.

Conference attendee Sigurd Kvammen Rafaelsen, both a Sami and a parliamentary representative for Finnmark, expressed optimism about balancing energy developments with Sami interests. He noted that there had been historical successes achieving both renewable energy projects and growth in Sami industries, stressing the need to collaborate for future advancements.