1. Norwegianization of the Sami People
Omar Omokhodion LG

2. Facts about the Population
Over 100,000 Sami exist in the world
40,000 live in Norway
Half of this population speak a Sami dialect
10 languages exist that are mutually unintelligible
6 of these have a written standard
Most closely related to the Uralic linguistic family (Finnish, Estonian, Hungarian)

3. History of the Assimilation
Swedish priests began following Sami reindeer herds to convert and educate the migrant populace during the 1700’s
The Norwegian Parliament then criminalized Sami culture through a series of laws lasting until the 1950’s
1852 Kautokeino rebellion

4. Modern Language Policy
The 1988 Article 110a of the Norwegian Constitution states:
"It is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to create conditions enabling the Sami people to preserve and develop its language, culture and way of life".
The Sami Language Act went into effect in the 1990s.
Sami is now considered the official language of many municipalities.
Sami Parliament exists to give further political avenue for the minority group

5. Suggestions
Continue monitoring the various groups within Sami identity
Reorganize the oversight of reindeer herds
Acknowledge the 2011 UN Racial Discrimination Committee recommendations
Improve bilingual education facilities
Attempt to communicate with other states that also house Sami populations beyond the Norwegian borders