By Elia Bartlett

The Sámi people have existed in Northern Scandinavia for thousands of years, but lands that belong to them have been exploited and used throughout history. During the Cold War the Soviets dumped nuclear waste into the Arctic Ocean, endangering the fish populations that the Sámi relied on. Currently, the misuse and exploitation of native lands is still a large problem in modern Scandinavia.

Mining

Mining has a long history in Scandinavia, and a long history of harming Sámi lands. The first iron ore mine began in 1697, and today, materials ranging from iron to copper to diamonds are being mined on Sámi land. Despite being an important part of the economy, mining can pollute and scar the surrounding areas, directly harming the environment. Runoff from the refining process contaminates water and soil with harmful chemicals, and unused rock is piled up and left in the surrounding areas. 

Within the past few years, there have been protests against mining operations on Sámi lands. Building mines takes away from grazing lands for the reindeer that are invaluable to the Sámi culture.

 “We believe that the climate, the environment, clean air, water, reindeer herding, indigenous rights and the future of humanity should be prioritized above the short-term profit of a company,” commented climate activist Greta Thunberg at a protest against a possible iron mine in Sweden in 2022.

Mining operations in Scandinavia have been destroying Sámi homeland for centuries, but protests have been arising to speak out in support of the Sámi people and their culture.

People protest a wind turbine farm in Oslo, dressed in traditional Sámi attire.

Wind Farming

Another threat to Sámi lands has been wind turbine farms. Europe’s largest wind farm is located in Denmark, on land that the Sámi have used for reindeer farming for centuries. In 2021, the Sámi protested against the farm because despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that the farm was violating their rights, it was not being taken down. Eventually, a deal was reached, but the turbines were not removed. A group of Sámi reindeer farmers were able to secure a deal for 7 million Norwegian crowns annually, and the procurement of new grazing areas for the reindeer in exchange for the wind farm being operational, but despite this conclusion, issues like this raise questions about what it truly means to protect and value indigenous culture.

Sources

The History of Mining and Inroads in Sámiland and Their Effect on the Sámi

Thunberg protests against Sweden iron mine on Sámi land

Norway activists press on with their protest against wind farm on land used by herders

Dispute over Norway wind farm continues despite partial deal