Ah, ladies and gentlemen, gather ‘round! It seems we’ve got ourselves a classic case of “who’s more Sami than who” at the political buffet! Welcome to what I like to call the “Sami Showdown” – where the main course is identity, served piping hot with a side of genealogical drama.
The Sami Identity Crisis: More Complicated Than IKEA Assembly!
So, we’ve got Sandra Borch from the Center Party stepping into the spotlight, trying to prove she’s “Sami enough” for political glory. The NRK thrust genealogists upon her like a surprise party she didn’t ask for! “Surprise! Here’s your ancestry!” And it turns out that meeting the criteria to participate in the Sami Parliament isn’t as simple as swiping left or right on identity!
You need to either speak the language, have a family connection, or be related to someone who’s been counted – a bit like a Sami family tree with very strict entry requirements, right? It’s harder to get in than joining an elite country club or securing a date with the last avocado in the supermarket!
Sápmi: Not Just A Place, But A Vibe!
Now, Sápmi – home of the Sami people – stretches across quite a bit of northern Europe. And while geography is important, it’s clear that being Sami is so much more than just a postal code! It’s about community, culture, and a whole lot of ‘sitting around the fire and sharing stories’ – not a roundtable debate on national television, thank you very much!
Ida Helene Benonisen, our poetic activist, beautifully articulates that identity isn’t just about your ancestry—it’s not a maths equation where you count your cousins! It’s that feeling of belonging, that connection to a rich heritage, and
Ida Helene Benonisen
Fosen activist and slam poet
In a bold move last week, Sandra Borch, a prominent figure from the Center Party, vocally criticized NRK after they enlisted genealogists to delve into her claimed Sami ancestry.
This genealogical investigation was initiated to determine whether Borch meets the necessary criteria for inclusion in the voter rolls of Norway’s Sami Parliament. To qualify, individuals must not only identify as Sami but also meet at least one of three established conditions: 1. Possess Sami as their primary language. 2. Have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who spoke Sami as their home language. 3. Be the child of a person who has officially registered in the electoral roll for the Sami Parliament, which serves to uphold the political representation and participation of the Sami people in Norway (as noted by the Great Norwegian Encyclopedia).
Amidst the heated debate surrounding Borch’s heritage, she has expressed that her struggle for recognition is not solely personal but is also a fight for validation on behalf of many individuals sharing similar experiences.
Critics have raised concerns, asserting that a politician diverting the discourse on voter eligibility to explore personal Sami identity is fundamentally misguided and detracts from essential conversations needed within Sápmi.
Sápmi refers to the historic territories where the Sami people have thrived for millennia, encompassing regions across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, which is home to a diverse and rich Sami heritage.
However, Borch maintains that once the dialogue shifts away from identity, she is prepared to contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
Background
- The Sámi Parliament is contemplating the removal of individuals from the electoral rolls who fail to meet established criteria related to their Sami identity.
- This decision follows revelations from NRK regarding several individuals labeled as “fake Sami” who had improperly gained voting rights for the Sámi elections.
- Recently, NRK reported on an individual who unapologetically admitted to running for election in the Sami Parliament despite lacking Sami heritage, a claim that was validated by the Sami Parliament.
- The Sámi Parliament has been granted the authority to independently assess the eligibility of voters, a move that has sparked significant controversy and criticism, particularly from the Sami political party Nordkalottfolket.
- In response to the unfolding situation, the Sámi Parliament is also taking steps to enhance transparency about the criteria governing electoral registration.
(Sources: NRK, the Sámi Parliament, plenary leader of the Sámi Parliament, Tom Sottinen.)
Without drawing direct comparisons to Borch’s situation, I, too, have frequently grappled with feelings of inadequacy regarding my identity as “not Sami enough.”
Through numerous discussions and introspective reflections, I have developed my perspectives on this matter.
My familial connections to Sami culture are somewhat tenuous.
The journey of my great-grandparents marked a departure from traditional reindeer herding, bringing forth hidden narratives of loss and the absence of cultural presence beyond the realm of reindeer husbandry.
Often, I find myself weighing my Norwegian lineage against my Sami heritage.
I have even questioned whether I should surrender to the continuing process of Norwegianization.
At one point, I shared these doubts with a close friend, who firmly reminded me that Sápmi has always been a part of me.
That realization sparked a profound understanding that being Sami encompasses more than just lineage.
It involves giving oneself to the community, fostering bonds of trust and love that are uniquely found within that cultural tapestry.
Participating in this community means learning a language that articulates a worldview uniquely experienced through Sami eyes.
Through the transmission of traditional knowledge, one learns to care for and connect with the land, highlighting an inseparable relationship between identity and place.
It perplexes me that some individuals are more focused on securing their place on the voter list than genuinely engaging with the Sami community.
The notion that bureaucratic credentials surpass the importance of authentic community engagement is utterly bewildering to me.
It seems that certain political forces are prioritizing their individual agendas over the collective wellbeing of the community.
If one’s motivations do not stem from a genuine concern for the welfare of Sápmi, I struggle to understand the urgency behind being acknowledged as Sami.
The experience of Norwegianization is a complex and often painful journey that resonates with many, a sentiment widely recognized.
There exists a yearning among individuals wishing to reconnect with Sápmi and the community, a connection that is profoundly beautiful, and I, too, find myself in the midst of that reconciling journey.
I firmly believe in the importance of honesty and openness as we navigate our pathways back to this community.
When someone inquires about your identity and affiliations, it represents an invitation to trust and share.
For those of us with Norwegian roots, the journey of identity is fraught with complexity. Listening to the Sami community holds the potential to ease some of that pain.
The emphasis must be on participation rather than simply striving to assert oneself.
Integrating into a collectivist society necessitates listening, understanding, and engaging in meaningful dialogue.
This underscores the significance of caring for the Sami community — on their own terms.
In essence: One feels a profound connection to their Sami identity around a communal fire, far more than in formal debates on NRK.
Despite the profound sense of loss tied to this process, it also offers an opportunity for reflection and personal growth. Acknowledging one’s heritage and the complexities surrounding identity can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place within the larger narrative of Sápmi.
Ultimately, identity is not measured solely by bureaucratic definitions or by the strict adherence to criteria set forth by institutions. It is a fluid experience shaped by community ties, cultural practices, and a personal commitment to understanding and honoring one’s heritage.
Through introspection and engagement within the Sami community, one can cultivate a sense of belonging that transcends mere eligibility on a voter roll. It is this connection to culture, language, and the collective experience of the Sami people that truly defines what it means to be Sami.
As the conversation around identity, representation, and belonging continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize authentic dialogue and genuine engagement over bureaucratic validation, allowing the rich tapestry of Sami heritage to flourish in all its diversity.
