BAAJH VAERIDE ÅRRODH! LET THE MOUNTAINS LIVE! Examining Activist Strategies Pressuring the Norwegian State Towards Accountability for Violating Sámi Rights

Abstract

On the 11th of October, 2021, the Supreme Court of Norway ruled that Norway is violating Sámi human rights on the Fosen Peninsula by establishing wind parks on reindeer grazing grounds. On the 500th day since the verdict, Sámi rights activists organised a protest action in response to state authorities’ inaction to address the violations. The action, that has come to be called Fosenaksjonen, included a four day occupation of the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and vast demonstrations in support of this. On the 507th day since the verdict, the state finally acknowledged the judgment and issued an official apology to the Fosen Sámi, stating they will work on finding a solution. Using qualitative content analysis guided by Margaret Hagan’s (2010) human rights repertoire, this case study aims to provide insight into how the Fosen activists have been using human rights norms strategically in order to achieve this. The findings show that the activists managed to establish the state as a colonial oppressor of an Indigenous minority, as well as a threat to Norway’s rule of law itself. This connects the Fosen case to international Indigenous discourse, and connects Sámi and non-Sámi people alike in the struggle for common democratic values. By continuous actions even after Fosenaksjonen and by adopting an intersectional approach, connecting struggles beyond identities, borders and time, the Fosen activists have created a strong and ongoing solidarity movement continually working towards a just future.