Adopts Measures after Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report

Norwegian Parliament Adopts Measures after Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report

The Norwegian Parliament review of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report on November 12, 2024, marks a significant opportunity to recognize and strengthen Sámi culture and languages. The report exposes the extensive injustices and consequences of the historical assimilation policies toward the Sámi people. The Norwegian Parliament debated the matter on November 12, 2024, resulting in an official apology and the adoption of measures.

– We hope now the measures include substantial funding for Sámi cultural expressions and arts projects, including film production. This will not only enhance Sámi cinema’s ability to reflect and document Sámi experiences and perspectives but also provide Sámi filmmakers with increased opportunities to participate on an international stage. We expect long-term, sustainable measures, as the reconciliation process demands time and persistent effort over an extended period of time. We will continue to work for more Sámi films in the Sámi languages, says International Sami Film Institute managing director Anne Lajla Utsi.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report points out that Sámi films and series play a significant role in strengthening Sámi identity and contributing to increased awareness of Sámi issues among the majority population. The majority of the Standing Committees on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs points out that ISFI could play a central role in fulfilling the goal set out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report for a comprehensive and long-term national commitment to Sámi culture, as well as the goal of strengthening the financial framework for Sámi cultural industries and institutions.

A majority in the Norwegian Parliament has now reached an agreement on how the reconciliation process will move forward in the aftermath of the assimilation policies. Read more here.

About the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was tasked with investigating the Norwegianization policy and injustices against the Sámi, Kvens/Norwegian Finns, and Forest Finns. The Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs has dealt with its report, delivered to the Storting in June 2023. On November 5, 2024, the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs presented its recommendations. On November 12, 2024, the Norwegian Parliament debated the matter, resulting in an official apology and the adoption of various measures to address the harm caused by the policy of assimilation. Read more here.