Jonny Hjelm criticizes the research anthology produced by the Truth Commission for the Sami people. The criticism deserves to be taken seriously. At the same time, it clearly shows why the Commission's work is needed.
The truth commission was appointed by the government in 2022. The mission has been to map and review the policy that has been pursued towards the Sami people, make visible and spread knowledge about the Sami's experiences, increase the general understanding of how historical injustices affect the current conditions for the Sami, and spread knowledge of the commission's conclusions about the consequences of the policy pursued.
The work handed over to the government on 30 September consists of three parts. The research anthology that Hjelm refers to is one of these. In addition, there is the commission's final report with an examination of the policy that has been carried out and calls to the government, as well as a story book consisting of testimonies from Sami people around the country.
Hjelm believes that the anthology gives too much space to reindeer-herding Sami and too little to other Sami experiences. We consider this relevant issue repeatedly in our overall review. Historically, the state's policy has largely been directed towards, and focused on, the prerequisites and conditions of reindeer husbandry, which has also characterized the research. The focus of the anthology partially reflects this state of knowledge, and thus shows that both the research community and the wider public need to learn more about Sami history, culture and social life in its entire breadth: about Sami in and outside the reindeer herding context, about different languages, industries and experiences.
It is not about overriding scientific requirements, but about broadening perspectives and allowing more voices to be heard.
Hjelm also questions some of the perspectives and methods used in the anthology. Here, too, there are reasons for continued conversation. But his criticism also illustrates why it is important to open up to more ways of conducting research. For a long time, research on the Sami has mainly been formulated by people other than the Sami themselves. Today, work is underway internationally to give more space to indigenous people's experiences, knowledge traditions and research methods.
It is not about overriding scientific requirements, but about broadening perspectives and allowing more voices to be heard. This adjustment can be experienced as unnecessary and uncomfortable for those who do not see the need for change, which is a pattern that can be recognized where established perspectives have been challenged.
The mission of the truth commission has never been to write the final story about the history of the Sami. On the contrary, we hope that the work will inspire more research, more perspectives and continued discussion. Knowledge grows through conversation, testing and sometimes also through criticism.
If Hjelm's article leads to more people reading the anthology, taking part in the stories shared by the Sami and getting involved in questions about the state's relationship with the Sami people, then it has also contributed to something important. For the truth commission's work is ultimately not about closing a discussion, but about opening it up.
