Parliament has decided that a truth and reconciliation commission shall be established to examine the consequences of the Norwegianisation of the Sámi and Kven people, both past and present. We wish to be an active participant in this process and are starting with a seminar titled: The Norwegianisation of the past and present, with an eye on the future. Reconciliation in our context.
Which forces are present that cause the structural mechanisms of the 'Norwegianisation' process to still be active?
The authorities' harsh Norwegianisation policy had major consequences for the sea Sami and the Kven/Finnish populations in Northern Troms, particularly the linguistic and cultural Norwegianisation went a long way. World War II, with the evacuation and burning of Northern Troms, contributed to a watershed moment materially, economically, and culturally, as Norwegian national values were considered more expedient in the society that was to be rebuilt.
Historical, cultural, and political processes influence people's worldviews and ways of life, contributing to how we see and understand ourselves, and the world around us. A prerequisite for being firm in one's own identity and culture is knowledge of and acceptance of the past. Increased knowledge and awareness will also contribute to greater understanding between people and between ethnic groups.
The ethnic diversity of the Nord-Troms region, the Norwegianization policy, evacuation and burning, Laestadianism, and the current revitalisation of Sámi and Kven culture are important elements in this.
We have invited speakers who can help place the "Norwegianisation" – the process of making things Norwegian – within a broader societal context, and local eyewitnesses who will share their stories, memories, and experiences (see attached programme).
The seminar is a collaborative project between Gáivuona suohkan/Kåfjord municipality/Kaivuonon komuuni and Davvi álbmogiid guovddáš/Centre for Northern Peoples.
The seminar is open to everyone.
Daily programme
10:00 – 10:15 Welcome. Cultural performance.
Introduction to the topic: Norwegianisation in the past and present, with an eye to the future. Reconciliation in our context.
10:15 – 11:00 Ivar Bjørklund, Professor of Cultural Studies, UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
11:00 – 11:45 Anne Dalheim Eriksen. Former leader of the Sámi Church Council.
Short coffee break
11:45 – 12:30 Torjer Andreas Olsen, Associate Professor, Centre for Sami Studies, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
12:30 – 13:20 Lunch
13:20 – 13:30 Cultural performance
Entries from local eyewitnesses:
13:30 – 13:45 Eliva Henriksen (UK English: 13:30 – 13:45 Eliva Henriksen)
13:45 – 14:00 Svein Peter Pedersen
14:00 – 14:15 Borgny Elvenes
14:15 – 14:30 Oddvar Ørnebakk
14:30 – 14:50 Coffee break
14:50 Discussion of the topic between the introducers, local eyewitnesses and the audience, led by Ivar Bjørklund
The seminar will be interpreted from Northern Sámi to Norwegian if required.
Subject to change.
