Norway’s Sámi Parliament issues historic apology for past assimilation policies

On November 12, a ceremonial tent was erected outside Norway’s Sámi Parliament to commemorate a significant day for the Sámi, Kvens, and Forest Sámi communities. During a parliamentary session, representatives formally issued an apology for the Norwegian state’s past assimilation policies, acknowledging their role in these actions and the harm inflicted on affected individuals and groups.

Svein Harberg, a representative from the Sámi Parliament and the Conservative Party, stated that the parliament takes responsibility for the consequences of the policy, which had long-lasting impacts on marginalized communities. Notably, the right-wing Progress Party was the only group opposing this apology.

Silje Karine Muotka, the chair of Norway’s Sámi Parliament, hailed this as one of the most important actions taken since the parliament’s creation. She emphasized the necessity of this acknowledgment, given the historical wounds inflicted by assimilation efforts.

Kristin Mellem, leader of the Norwegian Kven Association, echoed the significance of the apology, framing it as a foundation for future progress. While Norway’s king extended an apology to the Sámi people in 1997, this marks the first official recognition of grievances faced by the Forest Sámi and Kven populations.

Last year, a truth and reconciliation commission concluded that the Norwegian state discriminated against minorities for over a century through assimilation policies. This included systematic suppression of language from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.

In response, Norway has committed to securing minority languages and cultures, reversing a historical trend of erasure. The government is now tasked with implementing 17 measures approved by the Sámi Parliament to address these issues.