Speech at 25th anniversary of the Norwegian Indigenous Peoples Programme

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning everyone!

I am happy to see so many prominent indigenous leaders here today.

And I am particularly happy that my good friend Egil Olli – president in the Norwegian Sami Parliament – is present

All states are communities between different people.

People with different identities.

Different cultures.

Different languages.

Different ways of life.

And different histories.

Differences can create conflict.

But differences create diversity.

And isn’t it diversity that defines a society?

That gives a country its character?

That shapes the identity of a state?

This is why we need to preserve and develop diversity.

Preserve and develop the culture of the different peoples.

Their language.

Their societies.

Ensure the economic foundation of their culture.

 

***

 

During the last 30 years we have had an important process in Norway.

We have recognised that the Norwegian state was originally founded on the territory of two people, the Norwegians and the Sami.

The responsibility of the government in relation to the Sami has been recognised in the constitution.

We have established the Norwegian Sami Parliament as a political representative organ elected by and for the Sami.

We have established Sami as an official language in the area where most of the Sami lives.

We have established a Sami college.

A Sami theatre.

And taken important steps to ensure the economic foundation of the Sami way of life.

In this way we seek to preserve Sami culture and society.

 

***

 

Every state has a responsibility to protect and promote their indigenous populations.

And the international community has a common responsibility to ensure that they do.

Indigenous peoples have valuable knowledge and experience.

Your histories are diverse.

Your cultural expressions unique.

This is a part of our world heritage.

It is something that we must preserve.

 

***

 

There are an impressive number of indigenous peoples and tribes in Brazil.

They constitute an important resource.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend President Lula for the leadership he has shown with regard to indigenous peoples in Brazil.

One concrete example is the creation of the National Commission for Indigenous Politics. This commission promotes indigenous participation within a democratic framework.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Indigenous peoples have benefited greatly from the increased international attention to their rights.

Contact between indigenous peoples from different parts of the world is essential to promote their rights globally. 

The Norwegian Programme for Indigenous Peoples in Brazil is a pioneer project.

I am delighted that the Norwegian government has established this program.

And I am delighted that the Sami Parliament has established a close partnership with indigenous people in Brazil.

It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate all participants on the 25th anniversary of the programme.

Thank you.