Saami Educational and Knowledge Claims in School Systems of the Nordic Countries

Abstract

Education is understood as a resource which has enabled the Saami, a transnational indigenous people in Finland, Norway and Sweden in constructing a strong identity and unity over borders and strengthening their participation in decision-making processes in regard to their cultural, linguistic and educational rights. Saami education is closely tied to the national school systems and Western knowledge. Although the Nordic countries have introduced many linguistic and educational policy reforms, they still face challenges in reaching the goals set forth in international and national legislation—namely, education in the Saami language and integration of Saami heritage and knowledge into the pedagogical contents.