Saami Rights in Europe as Indigenous People

John E. Xavier

   Magne Ove Varsi spoke this month, February 15th, at the Norwegian Memorial Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Varsi is the lead official af the Galdu Resource Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, headquartered in Guovdageainnu (Kautokeino), Norway. Mr. Varsi's presentation centered on Saami history and his experience working on a worldwide basis, including with the United Nations. His presentation included examples from the audio-visual presentation materials developped by the Saami people for education and information. The audience was both large and attentive, as Mr. Varsi presented in English.
   Mr. Varsi spent considerable time explaining the assimilation policies of the past, where Norway (and Sweden, Finland and Russia) systematically worked to absorb Saami society by what was once called Norwegianization. Norwegianization included, said Mr. Varsi, required attendance in the Norwegian State Church, repression of Saami languages, degrading Saami customs and general policies which were destructive of reindeer herding, salmon fisheries, and rural hunting and gathering. These policies made for a kind of imperialism or colonialism to the detriment of the Saami peoples. To show Saami participation in Norwegian socity, Mr. Varsi gave several examples of Saami presence in historical events, such as Nobel Prize winner Nansen's exploration of Greenland. In Nansen's Greenland efforts, two Saami accompanied him, including Sam Balto. (Note: Balto was a cousin of Nils Paul Xavier, the patriach-founder of the Xavier family in North America, through the Tornensis side of things.The second Saami, whose name I am unable to read from my notes, was related to Mr. Varsi.)
   On the more positive side of things,  Mr. Varsi mentioned the trends since the World War II era. Saami languages and culture are now in full revival and the Saami in Northern Europe have improved education and healthcare opportunities at this time. Challenges continue in the areas of professional training for such areas as petroleum engineering and formation of Saami-owned companies. Finally, Mr. Varsi's well-produced dvd materials were impressive in their depiction of Saami music, and contemporary life.
   For further information, Mr. Varsi gave Galdu's website: http://www.galdu.org/ and I add to that http://www.mindekirken.org/ for local contact which has an archive newsletter (monthly) listing various Nordic cultural and historical activities. Thanks to the Mindekirken (Norwegian Memorial Church) for sponsoring Mr. Varsi.