”Väistämisalueita ei enää ole” – uudet teolliset maankäyttöpaineet saamelaisten kotiseutualueella: Erillisselvitys saamelaisten totuus- ja sovintokomissiolle

The report provides an overview of industrial land use pressures linked to the energy transition in the Sámi homeland. Through a case study, the article examines the rights of the Sámi to participate in land use planning and decision-making. The article also takes into account the impacts of land use pressures on the wellbeing of the Sámi people.

The Sámi have been fighting for their rights for centuries. Every region and generation has its own experiences of loss of land and forced assimilation into the majority culture. Climate change has brought new challenges, as accelerating changes in the environment force the Sámi to continuously adapt. At the same time, planned mines and wind farms intended to meet the needs of the energy transition are seen as the biggest threat for the future.

When it comes to land use issues, there are significant shortcomings in the realisation of the Sámi people’s right to self-determination. The main reasons for this are inadequate legislation and societal structures that discriminate against the Sámi, which is reflected in decisions by the authorities and courts in which the Sámi are systematically ignored. The Sámi face a constant threat of losing their lands and waters, concerns about the future of their society and fear that they will no longer be able to practice their traditional livelihoods, especially reindeer herding.

To ensure a just transition and reconciliation, Finland must strengthen the right to self-determination and equal status of the Sámi people.