In the early 1900s, we saw the start of a mobilisation based on ethnicity, across political and religious affiliations.
Anders Larsen from Kvænangen was one of the early contributors to this political mobilisation. In 1904, Anders Larsen founded the Sami newspaper Sagai Muittalægje, and helped form Scandinavia's first Sami political organisation. He also wrote the first novel to be written and printed in Sami, Bæivve - alggo, 1912.
Larsen's work was an important contribution to the increased focus on the consequences of Norwegianisation, which, among other things, was reflected in the Sami people's experience of having a low status in society.
Finnmark and North Troms, including Kåfjord, were burned down during the war. This resulted in a setback for the Sami language and culture. The settlements had to be rebuilt and many people moved away from their homes. On the other hand, the post-war period was characterised by increased prosperity for the population in the region. The minority political climate was also milder than before, which opened up a new discussion about the status of the Sami in Norway.
The development of the Alta-Kautokeino watercourse between 1979 and 1981 is known as the start of a new Sami political public debate. Sámediggi / the Sami Parliament was established in 1989 as a consequence of this new Sami political offensive. Today, the debate revolves around the status and rights that the Sami people have enjoyed in the past and how this can be further shaped in the present and future.
Riddu Riđđu festival, which had its humble beginnings in 1991, came as a rebellion against the effects of Norwegianisation in coastal Sami areas. From being a local Sea Sami event, the festival has become an important meeting place for indigenous groups from all over the world. Riddu Riđđu is a cultural-political movement that has contributed to the visibility and development of Sámi and other indigenous peoples' artistic and cultural expression.
Current links
The first steps - The Sami Parliament through 25 years, NRK
About Anders Larsen, Store norske leksikon
Who was Anders Larsen, Nordlys
