the action: – Been absolutely awesome

In the wake of last week’s demonstrations in the government quarter, Lars Haltbrekken (SV) invited the Fosen Sámi to the Storting on Thursday afternoon.

Since last week, activists from Nature and Youth and NSR Nuorat, the youth committee of the National Confederation of Norwegian Sami, have protested against the fact that more than 500 days have passed since the Supreme Court ruled that the wind turbines on the Fosen Peninsula in Trøndelag are illegal without mitigation measures, and blocked the entrances to more and more ministries.

– Zero understanding

– It is a battle we have been fighting for 20 years. I haven’t been in the fight for 20 years. I’ve taken over a game my father has done a great job for up front. We were allowed to take over a match, and won that match, says Elise Holtan Pavall Årbogen to Dagbladet.

Despite the fact that the Supreme Court ruled that the development of the Roan and Storheia facilities on Fosen is a violation of human rights and the Sami’s right to cultural practice 507 days ago, nothing has happened.

– We would have won. Finally they listened to us. They realized that what we have been saying for 20 years is true. But then no one believes us anyway, she adds.

– It has been absolutely amazing to be in that match. We have tried to defend our lives against a party that has zero understanding of our way of life, claims Leif Arne Jåma.

Requires action

He says that he thought the state would recognize that they had made a mistake, when the verdict from the Supreme Court came. They have not received that recognition, he believes. Jåma feels the Sami’s voice and their knowledge has been totally neglected.

On Thursday, however, Oil and Energy Minister Terje Aasland (Ap) lamented that human rights have been violated in the handling of the Fosen case.

The reindeer-herding Sami at Fosen have been in a demanding situation for a long time. I’m sorry for that, said Aasland.

– The government will follow up the Supreme Court’s judgment, he further promises.

Agriculture Minister Sandra Borch (Sp) also stated that the government accepts criticism that the process after the verdict has not been good enough.

Removed

– I think the apology comes far too late. 507 days late. It is not coming because the Minister of Oil and Energy thinks we deserve that apology, but because he is under enormous pressure from the campaigners, says Pavall Årbogen.

Sissel Stormoe Holtan agrees.

– He was aware that the apology did not come in order for him to buy time, but I don’t believe that until I see it. Something has to happen, she says.