Sami Parliaments
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Sami Parliaments (Sámediggi in Northern Sami, Sämitigge in Inari Sami, Sää´mte´ǧǧ in Skolt Sami) are the representative bodies for peoples of Sami heritage in Finland, Sweden and Norway. There is no single, unified Sami Parliament. Rather, each of the aforementioned three countries has set up their own separate legislatures for Sami people, even though the three Sami Parliaments often work together on cross-border issues. In all three countries, they act as an institution of cultural autonomy for the indigenous Sami people.
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[edit] History
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The Sami peoples had the following hierarchical organisation structure about 18th century. Siita or Kiile, Særvve and Riikka. Masters was termed Ised, and each Siite had its own chief termed Siite-ised or Siite-olmai. He was chosen on larger trading days during the winter period, thus not only by the local inhabitant but also foreign traders had influence in the election. Særvve is a collection of Siitas and corresponds to (Finnish) seurakunta. Riikka or Riikkagodde corresponds to (Finnish) kihlakunta and was larger than Særvve. As Siites had their Siite-ised, so did Særvve had their Særvve-olmai and Riikka had their Raadeädje.
[edit] In Finland
The Sami Parliament of Finland was opened on 2 March 1996. The seat is in Inari. It currently has 21 representatives, who are elected every four years by direct vote from the municaplities in the Sami Domicile Area. The current president is Pekka Aikio.
[edit] In Norway
The Sami Parliament of Norway was opened on 9 October 1989. The seat is in Kárášjohka (Karasjok). It currently has 43 representatives, who are elected every four years by direct vote from 13 constituencies. Unlike in Finland, the 13 constituencies cover all of Norway. The current president is Egil Olli representing the Labour Party.
[edit] In Sweden
The Sami Parliament of Sweden was opened on on 26 August 1993. The seat is in Kiruna. The parliament has 31 representatives, elected every four years by general vote. The current president is Lars-Anders Baer.
