Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
'A Lapp Must Remain a Lapp'
From the 1800s onward, Sweden's policies regarding the Sami were tinted with social
Darwinist ideas, deeming the Sami to be an inferior race fit only for reindeer husbandry.
The nomadic Sami were prevented from settling lest they become idle and neglect their
reindeer. A separate schooling system was set up, with Sami children denied admission to
regular public schools. Under the Nomad Schools Act of 1913, they were taught in their
family's tent (lávvu) for three years by teachers who moved between Sami settlements in
summer. After three more years of limited schooling in winter, they were considered suffi-
ciently educated without becoming 'civilised'.
Despite demands that nomad schools should meet the same standards as regular
Swedish schools, the situation did not improve until after WWII, when the Sami began to
actively participate in the struggle for their rights, forming numerous associations and
pressure groups.
Gällivare-based Visit Sápmi pools resources from all over Sápmi and aims to connect
travellers with specific aspects of Sami culture - from Sami tour companies to Sami culin-
ary experiences and craftsmen.
Sami Government
The Sami in Sweden are represented by the Sámediggi (Sami parliament), comprising 31
members. Funded by grants from the Swedish government, it oversees many aspects of
Sami life, from representing reindeer-herding interests and promoting Sami culture and or-
ganisations to appointing the board of directors for Sami schools. While it acts in an advis-
ory capacity to the Swedish government, the Sámediggi does not have the power to make
decisions regarding land use.
The Swedish Sami also take part in the Sámirađđi, the unifying body for the Sami or-
ganisations across Sápmi and international Sami interests. Sámirađđi is an active parti-
cipant in the WCIP (World Council of Indigenous Peoples).
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search