Swedish commission says state must apologise to Sámi

Sweden must apologise to the Sámi people, acknowledge its responsibility and compensate for the consequences they have faced as an Indigenous people, according to the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Yle reports that the commission publishes its report today.

A central part of the commission’s work has been gathering Sámi people’s accounts of their experiences. It says it has collected about 300 interviews and written testimonies.

The Swedish government established the commission in 2021. Its work was originally due to be completed last year, but the commission requested more time.

Truth and reconciliation commissions are independent bodies established jointly by states and Indigenous peoples to examine Indigenous peoples’ status, rights and future. Finland published its Sámi commission’s report last year, after which Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the Sámi should be asked for an apology. Norway’s process concluded in 2023.