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It was Monday morning that NRK reported that the then-leader of the Centre Youth, Sandra Borch, was already reported to the Sameting in 2013.
The background was that she registered in the so-called electoral roll, in order to be able to run for election to the Sameting. There was a person in Borch’s hometown of Lavangen who believed that the rules had not been followed.
At the time, the complaint was dismissed. But now NRK has brought the case up again, something Sandra Borch reacted strongly to, even before the case was published.
In a post on Facebook, she rhetorically asked whether she is not Sami enough, and continued:
“Now I am experiencing something I never thought was possible. Our common public broadcaster, the state channel NRK, has for a long time conducted an ethnic investigation of me and my family.”
It undeniably sounds terrible:
That a state-owned institution investigates people’s ethnic identity can seem like a ghost from the past. It does not get better when the phrase “ethnic investigation” evokes associations with ethnic cleansing.
Read also: I am a proud Sámi, NRK
Former political editor Skjalg Fjellheim at Nordlys is also angry and calls the investigations around Borch “an abuse.”
But something seems off here.
And it is not just because Skjalg Fjellheim (Sp) is no longer an independent commentator and editor from the north.
Now he is Sandra Borch’s party colleague and a state secretary for the Minister of Finance and party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp).
The important, principled question is whether it can be an abuse to check facts.
It is difficult to have an opinion, I think, especially since it is the law itself that in this case may make it necessary to check.
It is the Parliament that has determined the rules for what is required for you to be eligible to vote or run for election to the Sameting. The rules are quite clear:
First, it is required that you perceive yourself as Sami. But there are also some objective criteria.
- You must be a child of someone who is already on the electoral roll.
- Or you must have at least one parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who has had Sámi as their home language.
And this is where the dispute arises.
According to the complainant, who is also from Lavangen, neither Borch nor her immediate family have had Sámi as their home language. They have also never previously expressed that they were Sámi, it is claimed. Before she wished to be elected to the Sameting in 2013, that is.
Borch herself, according to NRK, has refused to give an interview. She has also not wanted to disclose who in her family qualifies her under the objective criteria.
In an email to NRK, she writes that she submitted an application to the electoral roll when Lavangen became a Sámi municipality.
– As someone who grew up in Lavangen with both relatives and family rooted in the Sámi, it was natural for me to apply. My application was approved, and I adhere to that, Borch writes in the email.
Thus, NRK hired two different genealogists, both of whom reached the same conclusion:
Neither of them found evidence that the objective criteria in the law are met.
Read more comments from Erik Stephansen
It should also be noted that it is easy to understand that such investigations can be uncomfortable. Sámi identity may have been hidden in previous generations due to fear or shame. And the feeling of being mistrusted can itself be experienced as a repetition of old injustices.
There may also be political reasons for the different views on how strictly the rules should be interpreted.
Still, it is problematic if it’s enough to claim that you are Sámi.
The Sameting decides important issues for the entire northern part of Norway, and NRK has previously helped expose Frp politicians from Moss who attempted this a few years ago.
We also need to consider all the political scandals in recent years.
Both incorrect commuting information, nepotism, inappropriate stock trading, and fraud with master’s theses have shown that investigations have been necessary in many cases.
Sandra Borch knows this well since she was one of those who resigned as a minister due to fraud.
But it is not only for this reason that the strong moral condemnation of NRK is remarkable.
It is obvious that a potentially incorrect electoral roll can harm the Sameting’s support and legitimacy. The very administration of the rights of the Sámi as an indigenous people can be weakened if it is not carried out according to clear, legal rules.
It should not be the case that the composition of the Sameting can be determined by moral storms. It could become a rather fragile construction if tensions were to rise.
Therefore, it is a pity that Sandra Borch does not do her utmost to clarify the matter. And here I believe NRK responds well:
“NRK does not question whether Sandra Borch is Sámi or not. Her Sámi identity is personal, and she has every right to embrace her Sámi heritage. NRK’s investigations focus solely on whether she meets the criteria to be on the Sameting’s electoral roll.”
If it is morally reprehensible to investigate whether the law is followed, then perhaps it is the law that has something wrong with it.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Ethnic Identity Expert Dr. Elin Severinsen
Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of discussing a rather delicate and significant issue regarding ethnic identity and political representation in Norway. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Elin Severinsen, an expert in ethnic studies and identity politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Severinsen.
Dr. Severinsen: Thank you for having me! I’m glad to be here to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, there has been a controversial case surrounding Sandra Borch, the leader of the Centre Youth, related to her eligibility to run for the Sameting. NRK has reported on her past complaints regarding her ancestry and eligibility based on specific ethnic criteria. What are your thoughts on the implications of a public broadcaster investigating one’s ethnic background?
Dr. Severinsen: It’s a complex issue, indeed. On one hand, ethnic identity is deeply personal and sensitive. The idea of a state-owned media investigating someone’s ethnic claims can evoke painful reminders of historical injustices, particularly in the context of indigenous peoples. However, there exists a legal framework in place that mandates certain criteria for political eligibility, like those for the Sameting.
Editor: That raises an important point, especially given that the Sameting’s regulations require a candidate to either view themselves as Sámi or meet objective genealogical criteria. Critics argue that checking facts in this way can lead to accusations of ethnic cleansing or “ethnic investigations.” Where do you stand on this?
Dr. Severinsen: I can understand that perspective. The term “ethnic investigation” carries a historical weight that can be very unsettling. Yet, it is crucial to differentiate between abuse and accountability. If the law mandates that certain factual criteria must be met for eligibility, then it might necessitate a thorough examination of ancestry. The debate should focus on striking a balance between respecting personal identity and adhering to the established legalities.
Editor: It seems like the issue of how one perceives their identity versus what can be objectively verified is at the core of this case. In Borch’s instance, she claims a Sámi identity rooted in her upbringing, while others contest the authenticity of that identity based on her family’s historical use of the Sámi language. What are your views on self-identification versus external validation?
Dr. Severinsen: It’s a nuanced debate. Identity is both personal and social. Self-identification is incredibly powerful, and many people feel a deep connection to their ethnic heritage, even if it’s not overtly expressed through language or culture. However, it can also be detrimental for political representation if anyone can self-identify without regard for shared history or criteria. The challenge is navigating the feelings of individuals who may have been marginalized or hidden due to past discriminations while also upholding the integrity of the political process.
Editor: Very articulate, Dr. Severinsen. The genealogical research commissioned by NRK seems to have indicated that Borch does not meet the objective criteria required. What impact does this have on public trust in political systems, especially among the Sámi community?
Dr. Severinsen: This can have significant repercussions. For the Sámi community, which has historically faced battles for recognition and rights, such disputes can exacerbate existing tensions. If individuals feel that they or those in power are misrepresenting their identities, it can erode trust in political institutions. On the flip side, there may be a need for some community members to feel their identities validated through specific criteria, and when political representation comes into question, that can lead to deeper conflicts.
Editor: So, it sounds like careful dialogue is essential as these situations unfold. How might the media approach issues like this more sensitively?
Dr. Severinsen: The media plays a critical role. They could adopt a more nuanced reporting approach, moving beyond mere sensationalism to explore the complexities of identity and representation. Engaging with community voices, showcasing personal stories, and highlighting historical contexts can foster greater understanding rather than perpetuating division.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Severinsen. This discussion sheds light on the intricate relationship between identity, politics, and media representation. It seems there’s a delicate dance between upholding legal standards and honoring personal histories, especially within marginalized communities.
Dr. Severinsen: Absolutely. It’s crucial that we continue these conversations with empathy and respect for all stakeholders involved. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important issue.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Severinsen, for your insights today. We appreciate your time and expertise. Until next time, let’s keep the dialogue ongoing!