Sea Sami culture should be lived – altaposten.no
Very much of the Sea Sami culture has disappeared, displaced and forgotten. What does it take for what is in the seaside Sami culture to live on – not just as one memory, but as a living part of our coastal communities? How can what has been hidden, forgotten and displaced for generations, get another spring day? We must dare to ask that question – and we must dare to answer.
After the war, and especially in recent decades, both languages, life forms and identity have disappeared in the shadow of research, centralization and weakened rights. At the same time, there are still hope – and there are people with pride, knowledge and will. Many of us know that something is about to wake up. The question is: What are we doing now?
Culture must be lived – not only appear
For culture to survive, it must be lived. Do not be packed in museum exhibitions or mentioned in textbooks – but be part of everyday life in our villages. It is we, the people, who are cultural carriers. Then we also have to live and live where the culture belongs – along the coast. From Vardø in the north to far down to the south. All the way where people who define themselves as coastal Sami/seamen/fjords live. Whatever definition. The culture has set its distinctive character along the entire coastline, and everyone is equally important.
In order for people to carry the culture, they must feel pride and belonging. But exactly that pride and belonging has been a pretty dark chapter for several generations now. The research policy made deep wounds. « He the state » has over time helped to depop the districts, threw the boats on land, laid down jobs and given precedence to the large capital. At the same time, many of us have learned to adapt to survive. We have managed and are still here – but lost a lot on the road. We have tremendous resources, but not able to manage them and the people are not heard.
A new time is in the pipeline
However, there is an awakening, new will among many. More dare to stand out and say loudly that they are seamen, that they are proud of who they are and where they come from. That they are « same good enough ». There is an awakening – and it gives hope. At the same time, we also see a greater divide in the Sami community, how many feel banned and not good enough. That’s not how it should be, we come if we can pull the load together.
I think our ancestors would be proud of this awakening that is going on now, but hardly the split. Maybe we should listen more to what they left us – gain strength and wisdom in it.
Not just strategy – but sea Sami efforts
We in the Northern Calotte people have chosen to do more than write beautiful words in an election program. We have created a concrete, binding seaside Sami initiative. For us, this is about more than politics. It is about life, language, belonging and future. The future also means that people in the districts are defense and that we have a culture of industries that ensure food preparedness.
Our commitment rests on three legs:
• Relocation: We need development and variation in business. We must create modern jobs that give people the desire and opportunity to stay – or come back.
• Living and Blilyst: If people are to stay, there must be good services, schools, leisure services and financial security. It must be possible to live whole lives in small villages as well. One innovative working life to ensure stable settlement where people can live modern lives.
• Sea Sami culture: Culture must be accommodated in everyday life. In kindergartens, in school, in nature and in business. We must use the language, tell the stories, harvest the sea resources, cook the food and strengthen the connection to the fjord, sea and land.
These are simple things to write about, but perhaps the most challenging area to actually succeed for it is about both municipal welfare services, upbringing conditions, the possibility of development, cultivation of interests and do not lose evening economy. But yes, it is required and we have faith.
The choice is about more than ballots
Our task is to contribute to good and safe lives in the north. This year’s election is not just about parties and programs. It is about « light between and in the house » – and life in the fjords and about being « same good enough ». It is about whether the Seaside Sami culture ends up in the museum – or can live on, as a natural part of the future.
We believe in the villages, in the community and our roots. And we think it is still possible to reverse the development – if we want to. And we invite you all to do it with us.
