Entangled histories of the Sámi and the Nordic nations: colonial legacies of the Sámi national narratives

This chapter sheds light on the entanglement of the histories of the Sámi and the Nordic nations. In other words, this research draws attention to the long timespan over which the national narrative of the Sámi has developed at multiple levels in relation to the surrounding societies, and also lays bare the ways in which it carries the legacy of colonialism. The Sámi have been in a subordinate position vis-à-vis the Nordic nations, and they have been conceived of as “the other” in the national projects of the Nordic states. The Sámi political movement originated largely in response to the colonialist politics of the Nordic states. The institutionalisation and development of the Sámi society is often discussed by framing the Sámi as a nation by placing a particular focus on Sámi actors or by emphasising the ways in which various activities embody Sáminess. However, this chapter shifts its focus to explore how the pursuit of nationhood, in a modern context, has been presented as an ideal or model for the Sámi to aspire to. While this has had empowering and constructive effects on Sámi society, it may have limited opportunities to develop society from the Sámi perspective.