Sami Parliament of Finland, Indigenous parliament in Inari, Finland
The Sami Parliament of Finland is the elected representative body of the Sami, the indigenous people of northern Europe, and it meets in the Sajos building in Inari, in northern Finland. It has 21 elected members and 4 deputy members who handle matters related to the Sami language, culture, and community interests.
The Sami Parliament began operations in 1996, replacing the earlier Finnish Sami Delegation that had existed since 1973. Its creation marked a step toward greater self-governance for the Sami people within the Finnish state.
The Sami Parliament meets in the Sajos cultural center in Inari, a building designed for the Sami community that also houses a library and cultural spaces open to the public. Visitors can hear the Sami language spoken and see traditional crafts displayed there.
The Sajos building in Inari is open to visitors who want to attend sessions in person or follow them through the online livestream. Sessions take place only a few times a year, so it is worth checking the schedule in advance before planning a visit.
The Sami Parliament can submit legislative proposals within its area of authority, which goes beyond what most representative bodies for indigenous peoples in Europe are allowed to do. It also directly manages funds set aside for Sami communities, giving it a degree of financial independence that is uncommon at this level.
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