The Sámi Parliament took part in the 2026 opening ceremony of parliamentary season – President of the Republic highlighted the Sámi in his speech

President of the Republic Alexander Stubb referred to the Sámi in his opening address and raised Sámi-related themes. In his speech, he said:

“An important decision was the reform of the Sámi Parliament Act. The Sámi are Finland’s only Indigenous People. The way they are treated reflects on us as a society and as a democracy.

The Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission published its report in December. I urge you to take the Commission’s work seriously – and to continue on the path of reconciliation, mutual respect and cooperation.”

-We value the fact that the President highlighted the Sámi people in his opening address to Parliament. Recognising the Sámi as part of Finnish society and as a part of the heart of its decision-making sends an important message to both the Sámi community and our policymakers. We thank the President for this gesture and we wish to promote constructive dialogue between Parliament, the State and the Sámi,” says Inka Musta, Member of the Executive Board of the Sámi Parliament.
At the opening, the President of the Republic greeted Parliament and declared the parliamentary session open. The President’s speech in full is available here.

President of the Republic Alexander Stubb met with representatives of the Sámi Parliament on 29.1.2026. This was the third meeting during President Stubb’s term.

More information:
Inka Musta
Member of the Executive Board of the Sámi Parliament
+358 40 634 9900

Johanna Alatorvinen
Communications Secretary
+358 40 663 4493
johanna.alatorvinen@samediggi.fi