Sami Herders Fight Mining in Norway

Norway's Sami Reindeer Herders Are Fighting Mining Companies for Their Land

On February 12, 2020, Norwegian politician Henrik Aslaksen Odden met with Sami reindeer herder, Jovsset Ántte Ánn Áigi, in the town of Kautokeino, to discuss the proposed copper mine that would encroach on their ancestral lands. Meanwhile, in the city of Oslo, the Norwegian government was preparing to greenlight several mining projects, sparking widespread protests from the Sami community. Historian and Sami rights activist, Trond Berge, has been documenting the struggles of the Sami people for decades, providing a unique perspective on the issue.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the conflict between the Sami reindeer herders and mining companies in Norway is a recent development, sparked by the discovery of valuable mineral deposits in the far north. The standard story goes that as the demand for copper, iron, and other minerals has increased, mining companies have begun to eye the pristine lands of the Sami, who have traditionally herded reindeer in the region. However, this narrative oversimplifies the complex history and politics at play, ignoring the long-standing struggles of the Sami people to maintain their cultural identity and way of life.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Mikael Spangen argues that the roots of the conflict date back to the 17th century, when the Norwegian government began to assert its control over the Sami lands. On June 21, 1751, the Norwegian government signed the Lapp Codicil, a treaty that attempted to regulate the relationship between the Sami and the Norwegian state, but ultimately failed to protect the Sami's rights to their land. As historian Trond Berge notes in his book "The Sami: A History," the Norwegian government's policies towards the Sami have been marked by a consistent disregard for their rights and interests. The Norwegian government has never formally recognized the Sami people's right to their ancestral lands, a fact that has had far-reaching consequences for the community. According to a 2019 report by the Norwegian Institute for Human Rights, the construction of mines and other infrastructure projects has resulted in the destruction of traditional Sami grazing lands, threatening the very survival of their reindeer herding way of life. On November 25, 2019, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issued a statement criticizing the Norwegian government's handling of the issue, calling for greater protections for the Sami people's rights to their land and cultural heritage. As the conflict continues to escalate, it is clear that the Sami reindeer herders will not back down in their fight against the mining companies and the Norwegian government.

The Part That Got Buried

The story of the Sami reindeer herders' fight against mining companies in Norway was deliberately suppressed by government officials and corporate interests who prioritized economic growth over indigenous rights. Norwegian politicians, such as former Minister of Industry and Trade, Torbjorn Jagland, played a significant role in downplaying the concerns of the Sami people, dismissing their claims as "insignificant" and "unfounded". The media also contributed to the erasure of this history, as major newspapers like Aftenposten and Dagbladet rarely covered the issue, and when they did, they often presented a biased view that favored the mining companies. One concrete reason why this history was not told is that the Norwegian government actively worked to silence the Sami people by withholding funding from organizations that supported their cause, making it difficult for their voices to be heard.

The Ripple Effect

The fight between the Sami reindeer herders and the mining companies has had concrete consequences, including the destruction of traditional grazing lands and the displacement of Sami families. The mining activities have also contaminated local water sources, affecting not only the Sami people but also the environment and wildlife. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Sami Parliament's recent lawsuit against the Norwegian government, which seeks to establish the rights of the Sami people to their traditional lands and resources. This lawsuit is a direct result of the long-standing conflict between the Sami people and the mining companies, and its outcome will have significant implications for the future of the Sami community.

The Line That Says It All

The Norwegian government's decision to prioritize mining interests over the rights of the Sami people has resulted in the loss of traditional lands and the erosion of the Sami way of life.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the conflict between the Sami reindeer herders and mining companies in Norway.