Indigenous Climate Justice - Insights from Sápmi: An Analysis of Public Presentations and Policy Documents from Sámi Sources

Abstract

Abstract This thesis examines the concept of indigenous climate justice in a Sámi political context. The green transition taking place in Europe and globally requires resources such as minerals and land. Research shows that these green transition projects place a burden on different indigenous groups around the world, and their voices and concerns are seldomly addressed by those making climate policy. Similar examples of such climate injustice are found in Sápmi, the homeland of the indigenous Sámi in northern Europe. In this thesis I look for the main concerns of Sámi politicians when it comes to the green transition and, based on these, discuss what climate justice might imply in a Sámi context of colonialism and indigeneity. The thesis thus contributes to a discussion and development of the concept of indigenous climate justice. Methods used in this thesis are qualitative textual analysis of policy documents from Sámi institutions, national governments, and the EU, as well as analysis of three seminars. The thesis examines the extent that Sámi concerns are included in climate mitigation policymaking on national and EU levels. Through the analysis it became clear that indigenous climate justice in Sámi contexts means recognition of the impacts of past and present colonialism and taking actions towards respecting and strengthening Sámi self-determination. Without indigenous climate justice, the green transition will remain contested and resisted by the Sámi, and reinforce colonial dynamics.