The work of the Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission culminates in the reading of its historic final report during Independence Day week.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Finland has heard nearly 400 personal accounts and commissioned more than a dozen separate expert reports on societal themes important to the Sámi, such as climate, education, the Lutheran Church, language, militarization, livelihoods, culture, as well as social and health policy.
The Commission’s report will be presented on December 4th to the Finnish Government, the Skolt Sámi Siida Administration, and the Sámi Parliament. The National Theatre will serve as the main backdrop for the historic event, where the report will be read out loud and Finland’s governing parties will be challenged to commit to the recommendations set out by the commission.
The three-day event is part of the Towards Reconciliation collaboration, organized by Baltic Circle festival in cooperation with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The festival has invited cultural practitioners to explore the question of what cultural reconciliation with the Sámi means for Finnish art institutions. How can national institutions take Sámi experiences into account and reframe Finland’s national identity?
The purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation process is to identify and assess historical and contemporary discrimination, including state assimilation policies and rights violations, examine how these affect the Sámi and their communities today, and propose ways to strengthen the connection between the Sámi and the Finnish state, as well as within Sámi communities themselves. The process further works to raise awareness of the Sámi as Finland’s indigenous people.
Another aim of the Truth and Reconciliation process is for the Finnish state to take responsibility and, in cooperation with the Sámi Parliament, the Skolt Sámi Siida Administration, and other Sámi representatives, work to ensure Sámi rights are strengthened and realized in Finland.
– Excerpt from the Commission’s mandate