Nordland is an area where Sami and Norwegian language and culture have lived side by side for generations. Nordland extends over five Sami language areas and this is part of the Nordland diversity that must be made visible and promoted. It goes without saying that Sami culture will be shown and take place in the opening ceremony of Bodø 2024.
Bodø municipality, the Sami Parliament and Nordland county municipality have had cooperation agreements over several years. Through the cooperation agreements, all three of us will work to strengthen Sami language, culture and history. We will continue to support Bodø 2024 as a celebration of the whole of Nordland.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivered its report in June 2023. The report points out that Norwegianisation has been all-encompassing and has left deep traces all over the country. Today, it is not just the Sami who bear the consequences of the Norwegianization policy. So does the Norwegian population. At the core is the lack of knowledge about the Sami among the majority population. Among other things, a major boost in knowledge is needed about the Sami Nordland and the Sami Bodø.
It is therefore important to follow up the report both regionally and locally throughout the country. Bodø municipality and Nordland county municipality have an important role to play in the follow-up process. Sámedigge, Bådådjo suohkan and Nordlánda fylkkasuohkan will follow up the commission’s report and encourage other actors to do the same.
At the same time, it is important to build trust and create space for good debates and conversations between Sami and Norwegian communities. As the opening ceremony shows, art is a good introduction to conversation and debate. Art must provoke and engage and make new perspectives visible. We welcome debate, but we strongly distance ourselves from a debate that expresses Sámi unity.
The Sámi Parliament, Bodø Municipality and Nordland County Council will continue their work to strengthen Sámi language, culture and community life in the years ahead. Bodø 2024 is a celebration that will last for a whole year. Nordland’s diversity is expressed and made visible in over 1,000 events. We welcome everyone to participate in the celebration.
That Sami language, culture and social life have been and are part of Nordland’s history and culture obligates. Our joint response to the criticism of the opening ceremony is therefore that we must work together for more Sami culture – not less.
County council leader in Nordland Svein Øien Eggesvik
mayor of Bodø Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen
Councilor of the Sámi Parliament Mikkel Eskil Mikkelsen