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In 2018, the Norwegian Parliament appointed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate the Norwegianisation policy and injustice against the Sámi and Kven/Norwegian Finns. We focus on the commission's public engagement, and emphasise Sámi and Kven/Norwegian Finns' perceptions and expectations in relation to these efforts. The mandate's goal is to establish a common understanding of the past and broader knowledge about our common history. We ask how the Norwegian TRC made use of the scope of action provided by its mandate's outreach elements and conclude that there is a discrepancy between the expectations arising from the mandate and the actual public engagement of the commission. We distinguish between the interactive processes of coordinating among policy actors and communication between political actors; and 'micro-truth' as personal narratives and 'macro-truth' as framework for public structures. The research is based on document studies, the study of recorded open meetings and media, and interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the notion of 'citizenship as shared fate' as a potentially inclusive and real-world responsive way of understanding Indigenous citizenship in a non-ideal world. The paper draws on Melissa Williams' work on 'citizenship as shared fate,' and assesses some of the benefits and drawbacks of using this notion to understand citizenship in Indigenous and modern state contexts. In particular, the paper focuses on the challenges that existing non-ideal circumstances – past and enduring injustices and unequal power relations – bring to the understanding of 'citizenship as shared fate', and the normative constraints for realizing such citizenship in our contemporary world. By developing this notion in light of Indigenous claims for justice, the paper proposes three side constraints to the notion of 'citizenship as shared fate,' including its openness to different views of history, the role of history in shaping the future, and acknowledging – and countering – prevailing power relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The paper concludes by looking at some of the implications of the reconceptualized notion of 'citizenship as shared fate' for the shaping of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations in the Nordic/Sápmi context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that there are both practical and conceptual reasons for relaxing the prevailing state-centric frameworks for minority protection in the global arena. The article discusses two example cases: the indigenous Sami and the Roma travellers. It draws on analyses of the kinds of rights protected by the key international minority rights documents, and the kinds of goods these rights provide access to. The article argues that the cross-border nature of certain minorities poses specific challenges to the prevailing system of distributing responsibilities for protecting minorities across individual states, each of which has territorially limited obligations. It concludes by paving the way towards a more cosmopolitan institutional approach to cross-border minority protections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonetic resources, like dialects and accents, are used in ethnic humour to build up a recognisable character that pokes fun at the stereotypes associated with a particular identity, sometimes with critical and political undertones. In this article, we examine the manipulation of one such resource, aspiration, used in performing and mocking one such clichéd character, called the fake Sámi. This character has a contested history in Finnish tourism and marketing practices, and is embedded in a long-standing debate about who can use emblems of Sámi identity for economic purposes. Adopting a sociophonetic language regard and folk linguistics approaches (Preston 2010; Niedzielski & Preston 2003) we explore how "fakeness" is constructed phonetically by the actors performing "Fake Sámi" in an indigenous Sámi television comedy show during a period of intense political debate in Finland over the legal definition of the category of indigenous Sámi. By analysing the use of hyperbolic aspiration of a prominent feature of Lappish Finnish dialect, the non-initial syllable /h/-sound, we show how the fakeness is performed by evoking linguistic stereotypes of a Finnish Lappish dialect and a Finnish English accent by a deliberate misuse of aspiration: aspirating when standard phonemes in speech should not be aspirated and not aspirating when phonemes should be aspirated. We argue that this kind of deliberate ambivalence and misuse of phonetic resources is a phonetic resource for reflexive postmodern identity performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To investigate the experience of suicidal expressions (death wishes, life weariness, ideation, plans and attempts) in young Swedish Sami, their attitudes toward suicide (ATTS), and experience of suicidal expressions and completed suicide in significant others and to compare with Swedes in general. Methods. A cross-sectional study comprising 516 Swedish Sami, 18–28 years of age together with an age and geographically matched reference group (n=218). Parts of the ATTS questionnaire have been used to cover different aspects of the suicidal complex.Data were analysed with regard to gender, occupation, counties and experience of negative societal treatment due to Sami background. Results. Both young Sami and young Swedes reported suicidal ideation, life weariness, and death wishes in a high degree (30–50%), but it was more common among the Sami. Having had plans to commit suicide showed a significant gender difference only in the Sami. The prevalence of suicide attempts did not differ significantly between Sami and Swedes. Subgroups of the Sami reported a higher degree of suicidal behaviour, Sami women and reindeer herders reported a 3, 5-fold higher odds of suicide attempts and a 2-fold higher odds having had plans committing suicide. Sami living in Vasterbotten/Jamtland/Vasternorrland and Sami with experience of ethnicity related bad treatment 2-fold higher odds of suicidal plans compared to those living in other counties. Conclusion. An increased occurrence of suicidal ideation/death wishes/life weariness in young Sami compared to young majority Swedes was found, but not an increased prevalence of suicide attempts and positive attitudes together with an increased awareness to handle suicide problems could be a contributing factor. Severe circumstances and experience of ethnicity-related bad treatment seems to contribute to increased levels of suicidal plans and attempts in subgroups of Sami.

Objectives. To examine whether enculturation factors, like cultural activities, ethnic pride and native language competence, are related to decreased internalizing and externalizing symptoms in Indigenous Sami youth from Arctic Norway. The impact of self-efficacy on the relationship between enculturation factors and mental health problems was also examined. Study design. Population-based, cross-sectional questionnaire study. Methods. The Norwegian Arctic Adolescent Health Study was conducted among 10th graders in junior high schools in north Norway during 2003-2005. The study sample consisted of 450 Indigenous Sami youth, aged 15-16 years. Internalizing symptoms were measured with the Hopkins Symptom Check List-10 (HSCL-10), while externalizing symptoms were measured by two subscales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results. For boys, self-efficacy and participation in cultural activities were associated with decreased internalizing symptoms. Additionally, self-efficacy interacted with Sami language competence and cultural activities: when self-efficacy increased, these enculturation factors were related to symptom reduction. For girls, self-efficacy had an independent effect on internalizing symptoms and also strengthened the relationship between participation in cultural activities and reduced externalizing symptoms. Sami language competence was related to the reduction of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms in girls. Conclusions. In the present study, several enculturation factors as well as self-efficacy were identified as potential protective factors against mental health problems. In order to develop theoretical models that explain the mechanisms between cultural resilience and mental health, there is a need for both qualitative studies and longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden and unexpected death represents a severe life event incorporating multiple stressors and is potentially more traumatizing than natural deaths. Religiosity is an important resource in everyday life and may be especially important during times of loss. The aim of this paper is to explore the significance of religiosity in the coping process after sudden death, using a qualitative semi-structural in-depth interview guide to investigate the experiences of 30 bereaved people from different Sámi areas in Northern Norway. The findings showed that religiosity might be a great source of help in the grieving and coping process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to secure appropriate follow-up for the bereaved after traumatic death among indigenous groups in Norway, this study aims to acquire specific and local knowledge concerning their need for help and to examine whether they do in fact seek out and receive help from the healthcare system when needed. This paper is based on the analysis of 30 in-depth interviews with Sámi bereaved who had lost a close family member to suicide, murder, accident or sudden infant death, and it rests on a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The findings indicate that most of the bereaved from Sámi areas were strongly affected by the traumatic death of a person close to them, but that they were met with barriers preventing the psychosocial follow-up that they needed. These barriers are discussed in relation to: a) the failure of traditional Sámi norms and support systems, b) shortcomings in majority (Norwegian) support systems, and c) knowledge and integration of new standards. Finally, the requirements for an optimal support service are outlined according to the needs of indigenous bereaved. The knowledge gained through the present study may be comparable and transferrable to other indigenous and minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To investigate the experience of suicidal expressions (death wishes, life weariness, ideation, plans and attempts) in young Swedish Sami, their attitudes toward suicide (ATTS), and experience of suicidal expressions and completed suicide in significant others and to compare with Swedes in general. Methods. A cross-sectional study comprising 516 Swedish Sami, 18-28 years of age together with an age and geographically matched reference group (n=218). Parts of the ATTS questionnaire have been used to cover different aspects of the suicidal complex. Data were analysed with regard to gender, occupation, counties and experience of negative societal treatment due to Sami background. Results. Both young Sami and young Swedes reported suicidal ideation, life weariness, and death wishes in a high degree (30-50%), but it was more common among the Sami. Having had plans to commit suicide showed a significant gender difference only in the Sami. The prevalence of suicide attempts did not differ significantly between Sami and Swedes. Subgroups of the Sami reported a higher degree of suicidal behaviour, Sami women and reindeer herders reported a 3, 5-fold higher odds of suicide attempts and a 2-fold higher odds having had plans committing suicide. Sami living in Vasterbotten/Jamtland/Vasternorrland and Sami with experience of ethnicity related bad treatment 2-fold higher odds of suicidal plans compared to those living in other counties. Conclusion. An increased occurrence of suicidal ideation/death wishes/life weariness in young Sami compared to young majority Swedes was found, but not an increased prevalence of suicide attempts and positive attitudes together with an increased awareness to handle suicide problems could be a contributing factor. Severe circumstances and experience of ethnicity-related bad treatment seems to contribute to increased levels of suicidal plans and attempts in subgroups of Sami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To examine whether enculturation factors, like cultural activities, ethnic pride and native language competence, are related to decreased internalizing and externalizing symptoms in Indigenous Sami youth from Arctic Norway. The impact of self-efficacy on the relationship between enculturation factors and mental health problems was also examined. Study design. Population-based, cross-sectional questionnaire study. Methods. The Norwegian Arctic Adolescent Health Study was conducted among 10th graders in junior high schools in north Norway during 2003-2005. The study sample consisted of 450 Indigenous Sami youth, aged 15-16 years. Internalizing symptoms were measured with the Hopkins Symptom Check List- 10 (HSCL-10); while externalizing symptoms were measured by two subscales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results. For boys, self-efficacy and participation in cultural activities were associated with decreased internalizing symptoms. Additionally, self-efficacy interacted with Sami language competence and cultural activities: when self-efficacy increased, these enculturation factors were related to symptom reduction. For girls, self-efficacy had an independent effect on internalizing symptoms and also strengthened the relationship between participation in cultural activities and reduced externalizing symptoms. Sami language competence was related to the reduction of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms in girls. Conclusions. In the present study, several enculturation factors as well as self-efficacy were identified as potential protective factors against mental health problems. In order to develop theoretical models that explain the mechanisms between cultural resilience and mental health, there is a need for both qualitative studies and longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of the present study was to compare symptoms of anxiety and depression among indigenous Sami and non-Sami youth in the Arctic part of Norway, and to examine the influence of perceived discrimination and ethnic identity on these symptoms. The relationship between ethnic self-labeling and native language competence on internalization symptoms was explored for Sami adolescents. Design. The Norwegian Arctic Adolescent Health Study was conducted among 10th graders in junior high schools in North Norway in 2003–2005. The sample consisted of 4449 adolescents, of whom 450 (10%) were indigenous Sami and 3999 (90%) were non-Sami. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using a short version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10. Participants also completed The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and a measure of perceived discrimination. Results. No differences were found among ethnic groups in internalization symptoms. Sami youth reported more discrimination than the non-Sami. Both MEIM and perceived discrimination were positively associated with internalization symptoms. Moreover, Sami youth who had not learned their native language at home were more vulnerable to experiencing internalization symptoms compared to Sami youth who had learned their native language at home. Conclusion. Culture-specific protective factors were discussed as potential explanations for the similarities between Sami and non-Sami youth. The present study documented a relationship between internalization symptoms and ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, and language loss. These findings could be understood as consequences of the recent colonial history and oppression of the indigenous Sami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To summarize knowledge about suicidal behaviour among indigenous Sami living in northern Norway. Study design. This summary is based on data from a register-based follow-up study (Study I) and the North Norwegian Youth Study (Study II) - a longitudinal questionnaire study conducted in 1994-1995 and 1997-1998. Methods. The cohort from Study I included 19,801 persons with Sami ethnic ancestry, 10,573 (53.4%) men and 9,228 (46.6%) women. The cross-sectional sample analysed from Study II (1994/1995/T1) included 2,691 adolescents (1,402 females, 52%, and 1,289 males, 48%) aged 16-18 years. Results. Study I indicated that there was a significant moderate increased risk for suicide among indigenous Sami (SMR=1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-1.56) compared to the reference population. In Study II, there were no significant ethnic differences in the prevalence of suicide attempts between Sami adolescents (10.5%) and their non-Sami peers (9.2%). Conclusions. Although the finding of a moderate significant increased risk of suicide among Sami is consistent with the general findings among Indigenous peoples, the suicide rates found among Sami is moderate compared to several others Indigenous peoples. When it comes to suicide attempts, no ethnic differences in prevalence of suicide attempts were found between Sami adolescents and their non-Sami peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 7-year follow-up birth cohort from the general population in the Sami core area in Finnmark, Arctic Norway, we examined mothers' and teachers' reports of social competence and emotional/behavioral problems among 71 indigenous Sami and 77 Norwegian 11-12-year-olds. The instruments used were the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for parents and the Teacher Report Form (TRF). No ethnic differences were found on competence scales. Total Problems reported by Sami and Norwegian mothers were low in comparison with the overall mean found in multicultural meta-studies. Sami mothers reported lower Total Problems and Attention Problems than did Norwegian mothers. There were no ethnic differences on the TRF measures. Consistent with other international studies, mothers and teachers rated girls higher than boys on social competence and boys higher than girls on Externalizing and Attention Problems. Gender differences were larger on the TRF than on the CBCL. The very low problem ratings made by the Sami mothers indicate that there is a need for specific clinical cut-off points to distinguish between clinically referred and non-referred children in this indigenous Arctic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic minority media embody much of the multiculturalist, multilingual and transnational changes in the media landscape and in the wider societal frame as well. Often minority media aim at providing relevant information, but also alternative publicity and empowering experiences in regard to their own identity, language and culture. Through an analysis of journalists' interviews and ethnographic data, this article examines how these tendencies, possibilities and limitations are played out in the indigenous Sami media. The findings suggest that the Sami journalists have managed to provide an alternative public space and contribute to linguistic revitalization. Yet, working within translocal journalistic practices and addressing multicultural and multilingual audiences remains a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To summarise knowledge about substance use among young indigenous Sami living in Norway. Study design. Data from the North Norwegian Youth Study (NNYS) — a longitudinal questionnaire study conducted in 1994–1995 and 1997–1998 that represents the main source of information in the 1990s. Methods. The 1994–1995 sample included 3,000 ethnically diverse high school students (response rate [RR]: 85%), while the 1997–1998 follow-up sample included 1,500 respondents (RR: 55 %). Results. Young Sami did not show higher rates than their non-Sami peers for any of the investigated substances. In contrast, young Sami reported lower drinking rates at both assessments when compared with regional and national non-indigenous peers. Nonetheless, Sami with weaker cultural ties reported the highest intraethnic smoking and drinking rates. Conclusions. Young Sami are not at higher risk for substance use than their regional and national non-indigenous peers. These findings contrast some findings among other indigenous groups indicating —high— indigenous and –low— majority substance use rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The prevalence of suicide attempts and associated risk factors such as sociodemographic conditions, emotional/behavioural problems and parent–child relationships were examined among 591 indigenous Sami and 2100 majority adolescents in Arctic Norway. There were no significant ethnic differences in prevalence of suicide attempts. In both ethnic groups, suicidal ideation, anxious/depressed problems and eating behaviour problems were associated with suicide attempts. Cross-cultural differences in risk factors associated with suicide attempts existed. For Sami adolescents, factors diverging from the traditional cultural norms were associated with suicide attempts, such as alcohol intoxication, single-parent home and paternal overprotection (p⩽.05). Vocational studies, not living together with parents, current smoking and experienced sexual intercourse were ethnic specific risk factors associated with suicide attempts among majority peers (p⩽.05). Clinicians should take into account that risk factors can differ between ethnic groups and should be sensitive to culturally divergent behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]