Sámi Parliaments in Finland, Norway, and Sweden

The chapter discusses whether the Sámi Parliaments in three Nordic states can be seen as the institutionalization of Sámi self-determination. Against the historical and international indigenous legal background, the chapter provides an overview of the Parliaments’ legal and administrative status, and the practices of work as well as their relations with the nation-states, majority societies, and Sámi communities. The electoral system, influence on decision-making at various levels, and autonomous powers, as well as financial and human capacities, are necessary to draw a full picture of the Parliaments’ role and position. In addition, as the Sámi is a people divided by state borders, the trans-border aspect of indigenous governance is highlighted. The Sámi representative institutions face numerous constraints and challenges, but can be seen as a framework within which the gradual expansion of rights and powers can occur.