Livelihoods, Justice and Environment

The mission of the Sámi Parliament is to advance the legal status of the Sámi and to improve the viability of Sámi traditional livelihoods by working with those who practise them. The Sámi way of life and the traditional livelihoods it encompasses is dependent on the vitality of the lands and waters in the Sámi homeland. Influencing decisions being made concerning environmental issues is therefore an important part of the work done by the Sámi Parliament.

As per 17.3 § of the Constitution of Finland, the Sámi have the right as an Indigenous people to maintain and develop their own language and culture. This right is intergenerational by nature, i.e. the Sámi have a constitutionally guaranteed right to practise their culture both in the present day and in the future alike. The concept of Sámi culture is dynamic, encompassing many diverse elements; and cannot be defined exhaustively. Aspects of Sámi culture include Sámi language, cultural heritage, cultural expressions, art, traditional knowledge, relationship with nature, traditional livelihoods, and other customs and forms of culture practised by the Sámi as an Indigenous people.

Traditional Sámi livelihoods include fishing, reindeer herding, hunting, gathering, and Sámi handicrafts, as well as their modern forms of practice. Small-scale tourism activities may be practiced alongside traditional livelihoods as a source of supplemental income. In traditional livelihoods, the Sámi language forms a natural part of one’s work. These livelihoods serve as arenas for active use of language and culture, through which knowledge and skills are also transferred seamlessly from generation to generation.

The Sámi Parliament provides expert opinions regarding Sámi rights, livelihoods and environmental issues; introduces proposals and initiatives; negotiates with various authorities in accordance with 9 § of the Sámi Parliament Act; collaborates with interest groups; and participates in various functions regarding Sámi rights, livelihoods and environmental issues. Statements, proposals, initiatives, and other documents from the Sámi Parliament can be viewed in the document archive.

For each parliamentary term, a plan of operations is prepared for the livelihood, justice and environmental sectors of the Sámi Parliament. This plan details policies regarding Sámi rights, livelihoods, cultural heritage, and environmental issues, and outlines the goals for the parliamentary term, as well as actions to be taken to achieve them.