Cooperation with the Sami Parliament on international indigenous issues

As regards the Sami Parliament’s (Sámediggi’s) special position as an elected body, it is important to ensure that it has influence and that its expertise is utilised. For the Government, it is important to maintain close contact with Sámediggi in connection with international indigenous issues. In addition to the valuable contributions Sámediggi can make in these fields, such close cooperation will be an important signal to the international community and can serve as an example to other countries’ governments.

Sámediggi has no formal legal status in terms of representing Norway in international negotiations. If representatives of Sámediggi are to negotiate or take part on behalf of the Norwegian state, this will be through the appointment of Norwegian negotiating delegations.

The Government places great emphasis on discussing and negotiating about indigenous issues through close cooperation between the Government and representatives of indigenous people. Norwegian attitudes to international indigenous issues are therefore formulated in close cooperation with Sámediggi. Great emphasis is also placed on  Sámediggi being represented as far as possible in international contexts in which indigenous issues are on the agenda. Sámediggi has been represented on Norwegian delegations in connection with the most relevant international issues concerning indigenous peoples’ rights.