The Sámi Parliament in Finland reappointed the Election Committee responsible for the 2023 election

The Plenum of the Sámi Parliament in Finland approved with additions the Executive Board’s proposal for the Action Plan for the parliamentary term 2024–2027. The Executive Board’s proposal was based on the idea that the Action Plan will facilitate steering and prioritising the Sámi Parliament’s operation until the repeat election, as the Sámi Parliament’s work cannot be put on hold while waiting for the election.

In addition, the Plenum approved the Sámi Parliament’s general allowance budget proposal for 2025 which is to be presented to the Ministry of Justice. The budget proposal was prepared on the basis of the matters prioritised in the Action Plan and takes into account the State’s scarce finances.

One of the most important proposals concerns receiving funding for promoting EU matters, explains Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, President of the Sámi Parliament in Finland.

– The Sámi Parliament will prioritise EU matters as the focal point of its international politics. From the EU, we hope to receive impetus for improving the vitality of the Sámi homeland and assistance for all traditional Sámi livelihoods in adapting to climate change, says President Näkkäläjärvi.

Full support to the previous Election Committee from the Plenum

In line with the Executive Board’s proposal, the Plenum reappointed the Election Committee responsible for the 2023 election with a change of one deputy member. The decision was unanimous, but representatives Pigga Keskitalo from Enontekiö and Anu Avaskari from Inari submitted a dissenting opinion.

The members and deputies appointed to the Election Committee are: Aslak Pieski from Utsjoki (deputy Niilo-Heikki Aikio who replaces the previous deputy Ilmari Tapiola, as he was no longer available due to a personal reason); Kirsti Saijets (formerly Kustula) from the Inari Sámi language group in Inari (deputy Marko Tervaniemi); Tauno Haltta from the Skolt Sámi language group in Inari (deputy Helmi Haataja), Juha Magga from Enontekiö (deputy Juhan-Oula Näkkäläjärvi) and Petra Magga-Vars from Vuotso, Sodankylä (deputy Helena Mäcklin).

– It is noteworthy that most representatives of the Sámi Parliament expressed their support to the Election Committee during the Plenum. Their addresses reiterated the view that, first and foremost, the Election Committee’s decisions in the previous term safeguarded the self-determination of the Sámi as an Indigenous People, says President Näkkäläjärvi.

In addition, the Plenum had a preliminary debate on the working group report about reforming the legislation on archaeological cultural heritage.

Further information: 

Pirita Näkkäläjärvi
President of the Sámi Parliament in Finland
+358 (0)44 753 3766
pirita.nakkalajarvi@samediggi.fi