Giellaválljema rolla arkiivva eamiálbmogahttimis

This article discusses how archives can strengthen the position of Sámi languages as everyday languages and how, by improving Sámi language services, we can achieve societal equality and democracy. The context for this is the position of the Sámi languages in the Nordic countries, the 2003 Language Act, and the socio-historical situation of the Sámi languages. The duty of archives and other memory organizations, like museums and libraries, is to ensure that our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. Archival records can confirm and authenticate rights; consequently, access to archival records is a part of a democratic society. Archives contribute towards the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights by preserving information but also by providing access services. The Saamebarometri 2020 [Sámi barometer] shows that authorities’ services in Sámi language are insufficient. The 2003 Language Act requires authorities to give services in all domestic Sámi languages. The Sámi language rights, and multilingual services can be seen as a requirement for democracy in Nordic countries. Recently, memory organizations have begun to pay more attention to the diversity of an inclusive society as a way to dismantle old hegemonies by critically analyzing their own working methods. Through these processes, they give space to multiple epistemologies and diverse identities, and interpretations. This article shows how archives can, by strengthening the position of the Sámi languages in their daily work, improve diversity, equality, and democracy.