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Members of the Research Group for Sámi and Indigenous Peoples Law participated in a number for events during the celebration of the Sámi National Day and "Sámi Week" at UiT. 

February 6 marks the Sámi National Day, and is celebrated across Sápmi—the traditional land of the Sámi people—spanning the northern parts of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. This day commemorates the first Sámi national meeting held in Trondheim, Norway, in 1917. UiT The Arctic University of Norway dedicates the entire first week of February to "Sámi Week," organizing various activities to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and achievements of the Sámi people, while also remembering their struggles and resilience.

A Focus on the Sámi 

The Research Group for Sámi and Indigenous Peoples Law at the Faculty of Law actively participated in several events during Sámi Week. On the 4th of February, members of the research group took part in the Sámi Academic Fair (samisk fagtorg) organized by the Center for Sámi Studies. This academic fair, the first of its kind this year, brought together research groups, researchers, students, and employees interested in Sámi themes across disciplines and faculties at UiT, as well as Sámi organizations based outside UiT. Members of the Sámi and Indigenous Peoples Law Research Group showcased our research, projects, and activities, and displayed some of the group’s recent publications in a stand. The academic fair was an excellent opportunity not only to present our work but also to connect with other researchers and research groups focusing on Sámi and Indigenous peoples' issues at UiT, as well as other stakeholders. The serving of the Sámi people’s traditional soup, Bidus, added a special flavor to the event.

Sápmi and UiT - Sápmi Ja UiT

On the 6th of February, Associate Professor Aila Biret Henriksen Selfors participated in a series of mini-lectures, Sápmi and UiT - Sápmi Ja UiT. She presented the main conclusions of her PhD thesis titled “Recognition of the Sámi People’s Right to Land.”

Visit to Tromsø International School

In the morning of the same day, our PhD candidate, Adrian Nystø Mikkelsen, was invited to the Tromsø International School (TRINT) to speak with Primary Year Students ranging from first to sixth grade. He discussed Sámi culture, language, and traditions, giving the children an opportunity to learn some phrases in Sámi and satisfy their curiosity with several questions.

Lecture About Sámi Law

In the afternoon, the research group organized a guest lecture on the topic “What is Samerett (Sámi law)?”. Bendik Mitkandal, a lawyer at the Mid-Norway NAV Appeals Body (jurist, NAV), and Associate Professor Aila Biret H. Selfors jointly delivered the lecture. It was attended by students, faculty staff, and guests.

Visit From Researchers 

From February 10th to 14th, guest researchers from the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences visited the Faculty of Law at UiT. Among the visiting researchers was Marit Heier Lajord, a member of the newly established Expert Group for Sámi Law (faggruppe for samerett) at The University of Oslo (UiO). The Research Group for Sámi and Indigenous Peoples Law at UiT organized a mini-seminar with the visiting researchers on Tuesday, February 11th, at Árdna. During a roundtable discussion, the visiting researchers and members of our research group shared insights about their individual research. Endalew Lijalem Enyew, the leader of the Sámi and Indigenous Rights Research Group at UiT, presented the group's research profile, activities, and ongoing projects. Marit Heier Lajord presented the work of the Expert Group for Sámi Law at UiO and her ongoing PhD project, which was followed by an open discussion. The gathering was fruitful, as it enhanced our understanding of each other's work and laid the foundation for potential future collaborations, both individually and as a group.

Saturday University

As a continuation of Sámi Week, UiT organized a "Saturday University" event on February 15th at the city center, Rødbanken, to disseminate various research on Sámi issues to the general public. Associate Professor Aila Biret H. Selfors participated by delivering a lecture on “Recognition of the Sámi Peoples’ Right to Land.”

Busy Month

In summary, February was a busy yet productive month for the Research Group for Sámi and Indigenous Peoples Law. The group actively participated in various activities, demonstrating its role as a center for the production and dissemination of knowledge on legal issues concerning the Sámi and Indigenous peoples.

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