Title: Swedish Sami Anita Gimvall Fights Back Against State Abuses with Legal Battle Over Burned Down Hut
Subtitle: Another in a series of abuses against the Sami
Anita Gimvall, a Swedish Sami, is determined to seek justice after her family’s hut in Västerbotten’s mountain world was burned down by the Kronofogden (Swedish Enforcement Authority) five years ago. This incident is just one of many in a long-standing pattern of violations against the Swedish Sami by the authorities.
The first attempt to burn down Anita Gimvall’s horn had to be postponed when the bailiff called in sick. However, on the second attempt, the authorities succeeded. Despite the loss, Anita Gimvall managed to celebrate one last Easter with her family at the place where their horn had stood for generations.
“They should know that this is happening against my will. My grandchildren will know that I never backed down,” Anita Gimvall expressed to Aftonbladet.
In April 2018, the state burned down Anita Gimvall’s family hut at Lake Stenträsket in Storuman municipality. The incident highlighted the oppressive treatment of the Sami community by Swedish authorities, who possess the power to interpret and enforce laws that often disregard the Sami’s ancient roads, huts, sacred places, and pastures.
Anita Gimvall’s rebuilt hut was considered an ordinary building without a permit, despite its historical and cultural significance. The county administrative board labeled it as a “black building” due to Anita Gimvall’s family not owning reindeer or being a member of any Sami village.
Opinions about the hut’s existence and renovation differed among authorities. While Anita Gimvall claimed that a hut had been present at the site since 1790, an anonymous person reported it as a new build in 2011. The county board agreed and proceeded to burn it down.
The legal battle ensued, with Anita Gimvall eventually being acquitted by the district court in Lycksele. However, the county administrative board appealed, and this week the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the board, sentencing Anita Gimvall to daily fines for violating beach protection regulations.
The court’s verdict has raised concerns about the abuse of power and the marginalization of the Sami community within the legal system. While the court acknowledges the long-standing presence of the hut and its cultural significance, it deemed the rebuilt cabin to be a “new building” according to beach protection regulations.
Anita Gimvall’s case has become a symbol of the mistreatment of the Swedish Sami and the urgent need for legal reform. Advocates are calling for her to push the case to the Supreme Court and challenge the treatment of the Sami people, an indigenous group protected by international and Swedish law.
In the face of adversity, Anita Gimvall remains resilient and committed to rebuilding the burnt hut, symbolizing a testament to the resilience and strength of the Sami people in their struggle for recognition and justice.