Norway’s Apology to Indigenous and Minority Groups for Assimilation Policies

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Why in News

Norway’s Parliament recently issued an unreserved apology for its century-long assimilation policies toward the Sami, Kvens, and Forest Finns. This move follows the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2023 report and marks a significant step toward addressing historical injustices.

Who Are the Sami, Kvens, and Forest Finns?

About Sami People:

Indigenous people of northern Europe, spanning Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Number approximately 1,00,000, with Norway hosting the largest population.
Known for reindeer herding, a practice protected as an exclusive Sami right in Norway.
Speak three languages: North Sami, East Sami, and South Sami, part of the Uralic language family.

About Kvens:

Descendants of Finnish migrants from the Torne River Valley. Historically engaged in slash-and-burn farming, fishing, and blacksmithing.
Kven language, a Finnic tongue, was recognized as an independent language in Norway in 2005.

About Forest Finns:

Descendants of Finnish immigrants who migrated to Norway in the 1600s via Sweden. Practiced traditional slash-and-burn agriculture and maintained distinct cultural practices.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission:

Launched in 2018 to investigate historical injustices against the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn communities.
Aimed to address the effects of Norwegianization policies and propose measures for reconciliation.
Study the assimilation policies and their impact on indigenous and minority groups.
Develop recommendations for preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity.
The report highlighted the loss of language, cultural suppression, and socio-economic disparities faced by these groups.

Recommendations:

Establish a centre for reconciliation work.
Preserve indigenous and minority languages through language training and integration into education.
Foster measures to prevent prejudice and harassment against these communities.
The findings prompted an unreserved apology from Norway’s parliament to Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn communities on November 11, 2023.
A set of 17 resolutions was adopted to address historical and current challenges.
Similar commissions are underway in Sweden and Finland, focusing on the Sami people’s experiences, with reports expected soon.