On this date in 1917, the first Sami Congress took place in Trondheim, Norway, marking the first time Norwegian and Swedish Sami had come together to discuss solutions to common problems. The Sami National day has been celebrated since 1993 with increasing popularity. The Sami flag, common for all Sami people, has the colours of red, green, yellow, and blue, colours that are also prominent in the Sami national costume. In addition the colours represent the four countries in which the Sami people live: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Sami mother and daughter. Photo: Berit Roald/ScanpixThe Sami people is an indigenous ethnic and minority group. In Norway it has its own Sami Council, an elected assembly which the Norwegian government is required to consult on cases affecting the Sami community. The Sami Council works towards equal and fair treatment of the Sami people, and to protect and develop their language, culture, and community.
Norway has actively taken part in the founding of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and in the creation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.