Fragile identity, Seaside Sami culture and the Sami Parliament
How to safeguard the entire Sami culture, contribute to reconciliation and cultural revitalization. What and who defines our identity and belonging?
My everyday life in the large community is ruled by the clock. When I go to work, when the kids are done at school, when the stores close and when I go to bed for the evening. The clock is the engine of my hamster wheels in the larger community.
When I sit in the car on my way away from « that » life in the city, I feel that the heart rate is lowering. As I approach East Finnmark, home feeling comes. Nature talks to me and the pulse subsides in line with the miles towards my home. On the way down from the mountain, when the valley and the sea are far down there, I feel on my entire body that I am at home.
Who defines who?
It is I who define my own identity and belonging, and only me. Others must say and believe that with my background I am not the same good enough, but ultimately it is my definition, my choice and my life. Although it has taken me half my life to be proud of that affiliation and confident in my identity, it has been my choice. And it has cost.
One image has been created over dozens of years, including through the policy that has been carried out, romanticization of one indigenous peoples who look good for tourism and abroad, and not least through stronger rights to a small part of the indigenous and touch anxiety from the authorities of 4-6 % of the Sami.
Constant land conflicts and one no to most of the development. When the Sami who are activists, the cardigan turns and goes on a link course and « we are » Sami-then I do not recognize me. It’s not me they talk about, not my life and not my people. But even without being an activist, I’m the same, and I’m good enough.
We shall do that
By ensuring that the seaside perspectives are presented and taken care of at the Sami Parliament, we have a start. Through our Sami initiative, which is about light in and between the houses, we facilitate the conservation and revitalization of the Sea -Sami culture. Without people – no culture.
We will work for equal rights, clean up legislation, establish a language center, coastal rooms and cultural centers also where the Sea -Sami population lives. All Sami must have the opportunity to practice their culture regardless of where they live, the Sea -Sami and the forest fins of their culture must be obtained, preserved and revitalized. The Sami needs must be identified more thoroughly and the measures must be implemented before it is too late.
Your choice
Do you want change? Equality Sami between and one basis for reconciliation? Yes, then it’s actually your choice and it’s you on now. Decide if you think everything is okay as it is, or if you want change. Use your vote in the Sami election by September 8. Be proud of your identity and belonging. You, and I, are « same good enough » and it is time for us to be heard and appear in the established Sami society.
Hilde-Kathrine Nilsen
4. Candidate Nordre Circuit
The Northern Calotte people
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