Sami - Sami policy
For some time, Sami culture and Sami values have had a low-profile in Swedish society.
Sami issues are cross-sectoral and concern a number of ministries at the Government Offices. The Ministry of Rural Affairs is the coordinating ministry. Since 1995 the Game Management, Fisheries and Sami Affairs Division at the Ministry has been working with such matters as Sami and reindeer husbandry issues.
After the establishment of the Sami Parliament in 1993, work with Sami affairs has dealt with transferring tasks from other government agencies to the Sami Parliament in areas where this is natural and reasonable. The goal is to increase Sami influence over issues of major importance to the pursuit of Sami industries and culture. The aim of the work is, together with the Sami, to design a policy based on mutual respect and increased participation of Sami in society.
Facts about Sami
There are around 70.000 Sami. Around 20.000 live in Sweden.
