Sami people of Norway facts for kids
The Sami people in Norway are part of a larger group that also lives in Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In Norway, the main Sami areas are in five municipalities: Kautokeino, Karasjok, Porsanger, Tana, Nesseby, and Kåfjord. These places are located in Finnmark and Troms counties.
This region is part of a larger area called Sápmi, also known as Lapland. Sápmi stretches across four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sami people in Norway speak several Sami languages, including Northern Sami, Lule Sami, and Southern Sami.
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Who are the Sami?
The Norwegian government has a way to define who is Sami, especially for voting in the Sami Parliament. This definition helps decide who can be part of the Sami Parliament, which is like their own government. To register as Sami, a person must meet certain conditions. For example, they might speak Sami as their first language, or their parents or grandparents did. Another way is if they feel they are Sami and live according to Sami traditions. These rules became part of Norwegian law in 1987.
A Look Back in Time: Sami History
Scientists who study old things, called archaeologists, believe the Sami culture started in Scandinavia a very long time ago. This was between 1500 and 1000 years before Jesus was born.
The first written mention of the Sami people was around 98 AD by a Roman writer named Tacitus. Later, in 896, a Norwegian chief named Ohthere told the English king Alfred the Great about the Sami.
Old Norse stories, like the Icelandic sagas, also talk about the Sami. For example, a story about King Olav Tryggvason mentions "Finns" who were "troll-wise." In these old stories, "Finns" sometimes meant Sami people.
In the 1700s, a man named Thomas von Westen led efforts to teach Christianity to the Sami. About a hundred years later, Niels Vibe Stockfleth worked among the Sami. He even translated parts of the Bible into one of the Sami languages.
Long ago, during the time of King Harald Hardrada, people made money from keeping reindeer herds in a place called Dovrefjell. This business was very important back then.
Sami people who herded reindeer often moved their animals every year. They would meet people living permanently on the coast. They often formed a special friendship called verdde. For example, Sami herders might need milk or fish after being on the highlands. They might also need equipment repaired. In return, coastal people traded fish for reindeer meat.
Many Sami people lived permanently on the coast in North Norway. They had houses and it became easier for them to adopt Norwegian ways. In some areas, Sami people were not allowed to own land. Because of this, some Sami changed their names to sound more Norwegian. Family names like Sæter, Strømeng, and Kalvemo became common.
Over time, the Sami language mostly disappeared among the Coastal Sami. The close connection between reindeer-herding Sami and Coastal Sami also slowly faded.
Trying to Make Sami People More Norwegian
For many years, there were organized efforts to make the Sami language and culture disappear. This was done to make Sami people more like Norwegians. These policies, called "Norwegianization," started in the late 1840s and continued into the 1980s.
From the 1840s to the 1950s, missionaries, farming experts, and teachers tried to "Norwegianize" the Sami. In 1848, the Norwegian Parliament made its first official decision about this. They wanted to find out how to teach Norwegian to the Sami, especially those living on the coast.
In 1880, the government made a rule about language that became even stronger in 1898. It said that teachers in Sami and Finnish areas should try their best to spread the Norwegian language. The government's main goal for schools was clear: no Sami words should be heard in school buildings or on school grounds.
The government also used money and laws to encourage Norwegianization. For example, a law from 1902 said that land could only be sold to Norwegian citizens who could speak, read, and write Norwegian every day.
A report in 1922 wrongly claimed that Sami people were less able to learn than others. It also said that Sami culture could not develop. This report had no real proof.
Around 1850, a government policy called Fornorskning aimed to remove Sami culture. This policy was very harsh on Sami people. In some places, this policy lasted until the 1980s.
Sami People Form Groups
The first Sami association in Norway was likely started in 1911. It was called Buolbmag Same Særvve and was formed in the Polmak municipality.
Reindeer Herding
Reindeer herding is a type of animal farming done by Sami people. It takes place across a huge area, from Russia's Kola peninsula, through Finland and Sweden, and into Norway.
In reindeer herding, the Sami move their reindeer herds in a regular pattern. This pattern makes sure the reindeer always have enough to eat during different seasons. For example, in spring, they move to summer pastures just before new calves are born in May. These pastures have lots of different grasses and plants. Summer is when the calves grow big and the adult reindeer get strong again after a long winter.
Some Sami people are nomads, meaning they move from place to place with their reindeer. They learned to live in their cold environment by taming the reindeer. The Sami used to get everything they needed from the reindeer. They ate mostly meat, milk, and cheese. Their clothes and tents were made from reindeer skins. Their wool clothes were often beautifully decorated.
The Sami protected their herds, moving with them as they traveled from summer to winter pastures. They used reindeer to pull sleds carrying their supplies. In winter, the herds moved south to areas with trees. The Sami lived nearby in homes made of logs or sod.
Winter clothes were made from layers of reindeer skin. The inner layer had the fur facing in, and the outer layer had the fur facing out. Boots were also made of fur and lined with grass collected in summer. Every evening, the grass was taken out and dried by the fire so it could be used again. This way, the Sami could stay warm even in the coldest weather.
Today, only a few Sami people still follow the herds. These herders use modern tools for their ancient way of life. They use snowmobiles to herd reindeer and rifles to protect them from wolves. Helicopters and radios are even used to find and move the reindeer. Most Sami people now live on small farms in one of the four countries of Lapland. They grow crops and raise animals, including a few reindeer, for their needs. Selling reindeer meat is an important way for Sami people to earn money.
The Sami were careful not to waste anything from the reindeer. Milk was used for drinking or making cheese. Meat was for food. Blood was frozen and used for soup and pancakes. Knives and belt buckles were carved from bones and antlers. Tendons were used as sewing thread. Cleaned-out stomachs were used to carry milk or cheese. Every part of a dead reindeer was used.
Sami Crafts
Sami crafts are called duodji. Men make things like knives, drums, and special wooden cups called 'guksi' from wood, bone, and antlers. Women use leather and roots to make 'gakti', which is Sami clothing. Women also weave baskets from birch and spruce wood.
Sami Clothing
Sami clothing is called 'gakti'. It was originally made from reindeer leather. Today, it is usually made from wool, cotton, or silk. There are often different styles of 'gakti' for men and women.
Sami Beliefs and Spirituality
The main traditional religion of the Sami people is Sami shamanism. These beliefs are strongly connected to the land, animals, and the supernatural world. Some Sami also practiced bear worship. Sami shamanism is polytheistic, meaning it believes in many gods. Sami shamans are called 'Noadi'. There are also 'wise men' and 'wise women' who try to heal sick people. They use special rituals and herbal medicines.
Some Sami people have adopted Christianity. They might join the Russian Orthodox Church or the Lutheran Church.
Sami in Stories
Old writings by Snorri Sturluson (who lived from 1178 to 1241) say that a Sami woman named Snøfrid married a Norwegian king, Harald Fairhair. None of her children or grandchildren became kings. It was only when Harald Hardrada became king that her family's blood became part of the royal family.
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