Purchasing must include Sami literature
The Cultural Council's procurement schemes for literature are an important measure to make books available in public libraries and school libraries. It is gratifying that several Sami authors and translations are already covered by the scheme, but now it should be expanded to include literature in all Sami languages. Such an extension is both possible and necessary.
Expansion of the procurement scheme is one of several measures proposed by the Sami Parliament in the treatment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report in March 2024. An extension of the scheme that includes all Sami languages will make Sami literature more accessible and visible, and contribute positively to language development, identity building and social debate on Sami conditions.
Following a dialogue with the Sami Parliament, the Cultural Council has therefore promoted in its budget input for 2026 needs NOK 15 million for a new procurement scheme for Sami -language literature. Then books in all Sami languages can be purchased and distributed to libraries and schools across the country.
This measure will give Sami authors greater recognition and strengthen the market for Sami -language literature. It is well known that Sami literature has fewer readers, but makes it no less important to find good schemes. On the contrary, it could increase the visibility and availability of Sami literature, which is crucial to preserving and developing the Sami languages.
However, there is nothing in the way for the libraries to prioritize buying Sami -language books. The Sami Parliament encourages public libraries to highlight Sami literature to a greater extent, and to participate and participate in the important reconciliation process. We need good partners and the libraries have great opportunities to contribute to this work.
Therefore, we are pleased that the Cultural Council is clear on its responsibilities, and that they want to take an active part in the repair and revitalization of culture, language and lack of equality in society and cultural life in the future.
The Sami Council expects greater investments in culture as part of the repair work and reconciliation process, and that this is prioritized and made visible in state budgets in the future.
Several proposals for measures are on the table, and one of them is that the purchasing scheme must include Sami -language literature.
