3. Implementation experiences
3.1. Type of issues addressed at biannual meetings
As mentioned in section 2.4.2 above, the consultation procedures provide for biannual meetings between representatives of the Sámediggi and the central State authority responsible
for Sami affairs, together with other line ministries.
A perusal of the minutes of the biannual meetings (2005–12) shows that many of the issues
presented or discussed are based on initiatives or studies initiated by either the Sámediggi or
the State and are mostly related to broader governance and administrative decisions, rather
than individual administrative decisions. The topics discussed include, for example, challenges related to the inclusion of the Sami culture and languages in municipal administration, church services, primary education and kindergartens; demographic and employment
trends; budgetary allocations; administrative reforms; construction projects (e.g. of Sami
museums); and the inclusion of certain municipalities under the Sami administrative area.
The topics also include regional and international affairs such as the elaboration of a Nordic
Sami Convention and preparations for the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.
The biannual meeting held in June 2013 is illustrative of the range of topics presented for
orientation or discussed at the meetings. In brief, the following topics were discussed:
••
The Sámediggi commented on a proposed amendment to the Reindeer Husbandry
Act. In a government white paper, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food suggested
that harmonization of the management of reindeer husbandry with other management
areas is good policy both for the Sami in general, and for Sami reindeer husbandry
in particular. The Government considered that if policies on Sami reindeer husbandry
were integrated in the general public policy, authorities would be more aware of their
responsibilities towards the Sami population.
••
The Sámediggi noted that this mainstreaming approach could be regarded as establishing a new objective for the Sami policy, which it regards as problematic, among
other reasons because it was not discussed during the consultations held with the
concerned ministry. The Ministry therefore could not be regarded as having acted in
good faith. The matter was taken under advisement by the State authorities.
••
The Sámediggi reported on the growing importance of culture-based employment in the
Sami areas and its related action plan and projects to be initiated in 2014. Likewise,
the Government presented its action plan on the same issue and the Sámediggi stated
its view that it would have been good to ensure better coordination between the two
action plans.
••
The return of artefacts from the Norwegian national museum to Sami museums was
addressed. It was decided that the discussions concerning adequate budget allocations to ensure the safe return of the artefacts would continue in the annual budget
discussions between the State and the Sámediggi.
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