"Att jobba vid sidan av renskötseln är ju egentligen bara en otrolig stress" En kvalitativ studie om Vilhelmina kommuns arbete med möjliggörandet av anpassningar på arbetsplatser

Abstract

Providing minorities and indigenous peoples with conditions to establish and uphold their human rights is a part of a long-term postcolonial project aiming to equalise peoples’ opportunities worldwide. This thesis examines how Vilhelmina municipality, a Sámi administrative municipality in Sweden, implements Sámi rights through workplace adaptations for individuals engaging in reindeer herding. The undertaking highlights the importance of integration and inclusion in providing minority rights through local governance. A qualitative case study approach was used where data was collected through semi-structured interviews with local municipal actors, namely Sámi employees, workplace managers and municipal management. A qualitative content analysis was made through applying implementation theory and theories of equality, emphasising local bureaucracy and structural justice. Findings revealed an active commitment to implementing Sámi rights, often reliant on individual actors, exemplifying cases of inclusive practices and cultural sensitivity. Inconsistencies were also identified as adaptations vary between workplaces and depend on individual initiatives. Challenges included limited resources and a lacking coordination effort within and between municipal structures and Sámi communities. The study emphasises the importance of institutionalisation of Sámi rights in local policy and practice to ensure equal opportunities. It indicates the topicality of the needs for bottom-up, rights-based and structurally supported measures for minorities in public administration.