Norway’s Historic Apology to Indigenous Peoples
For over a century, Norway has systematically suppressed the languages and cultures of its Indigenous peoples and various minority groups. This oppression included the forced removal of children from their families, part of a broader agenda known as “Norwegianization,” which has left lasting scars on these communities. In a significant move this week, the Norwegian Parliament issued a formal apology to the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn peoples.
The apology was accompanied by the announcement of 17 resolutions aimed at addressing the ongoing discrimination faced by these groups. These resolutions include commitments to protect minority languages and ensure that children have the opportunity to learn these languages in educational settings.
The decision, approved by Parliament on Tuesday, was met with approval from Silje Karine Muotka, a prominent Sami leader. She described the occasion as a day filled with complex emotions, emphasizing the importance of transforming this apology into tangible actions. “Going forward, we expect an active policy of reconciliation,” Muotka stated in a written response. “The decision from today ensures long-term follow-up, and it has both financial and legal repercussions. However, it is important to note that no settlement can fully address the ongoing injustices and conflicts surrounding land and water rights.”
While Norway has established certain laws regarding the Sami’s rights to grazing land, tensions have persisted between the Sami people and the government over land use, which is integral to their cultural identity and way of life.
This recent apology and the accompanying resolutions are rooted in the findings of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission report published last year. The report provides a framework for Norway to confront its oppressive history and take meaningful steps toward justice. Although King Harald V had previously offered apologies to the Sami community, this marks the first instance in which the Kvens and Forest Finns have received a similar public acknowledgment of the suffering they have endured.
