Winds of Change : The Role and Potential of Sámi Parliamentarians

• This chapter is based on a presentation by Stefan Mikaelsson held at RE-Mindings symposium, October 2012, his opening speech for the Sámi Plenary 62nd session in Vualtjere/Vilhelmina, Sweden, February 19, 2013, and his presentation for the panel “Decolonizing Sápmi: archeology, food security and struggles against mi- ning and militarization” at the annual meeting of NAISA, Native American and Indigenous Studies Association, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, June 13- 15, 2013. In this article Mikaelsson speaks of the threats against lands and waters, culture and food security, and ultimately the survival and continuance of the Sámi People. He speaks of the complex situation and monetary economy that makes   it difficult to respond to these threats and challenges, and that the never-ending negotiations with the Swedish government and the Swedish membership within the European Union are ultimately undermining Sámi culture. Mikaelsson argues for a need for responding against threats and challenges through a collaboration within the Sámi Parliament and between Sámi people in general. The chapter has been developed in close collaboration with May-Britt Öhman. 

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Statsvetenskap -- Statsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Political Science -- Political Science (hsv//eng)

HUMANIORA  -- Annan humaniora -- Kulturstudier (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Other Humanities -- Cultural Studies (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Sámi

Indigenous

Governance

Environment

Sustainability

Self determination

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)