ReCap ASáp – Regaining capacity in a changing Sápmi
The Saami Council and Suoma Sámiid Guovddášsearvi have initiated the Interreg-funded project "ReCap ASáp: Regaining capacity in a changing Sápmi", with a project period from 2023 to 2026.
Sápmi and the civil Sámi society face many challenges. Currently, the Sámi society is forced to react to actions taken by others and solutions proposed by others, solutions without the perspectives and requirements of the Sámi people. This is an obstacle for the right of Sámi society to self-determination and the right to development based on our own priorities.
In September 2023, the Saami Council in partnership with the Suoma Sámiid guovddášsearvi received funding from the EU Interreg Aurora program for the project ReCap ASáp: Regaining capacity in a changing Sápmi. This project aims to promote more inclusiveness in societal processes in Sápmi as a result of strong Sámi organisations participating to advocate for the Sámi perspectives and better knowledge base for decision-making. The project will foster, prepare and empower Sámi leaders to make an impact in a rapidly shifting world.
The project team. From the left: Åsa Larsson Blind, Enni Similä, Simon Lundmark Kuhmunen, Helene Ajuna Olsen
“We need increased trust and better interaction between different Saami industries, areas, and communities. We also want to treat our neighbours from other cultures with the same kindness and respect that we expect from them. This requires a stronger Sápmi with greater authority and resources for our elected bodies; greater capacity within our institutions and civil society; and better protections for our culture and our natural environment.”
The project's vision is to contribute to a robust and resilient Sápmi in times of rapid change.
The project will:
Increase the strength and capacity of Sámi civil society resulting in enhanced capacity to participate in national, regional and local processes.
Contribute to a vibrant Sámi democracy by arranging a pilot Sámi arena for policy-making and knowledge sharing with a cross border approach.
Promote increased development of local workplaces and business development in Sápmi by more targeted and inclusive investments in training and competence development.
Foster Sámi leadership to advocate for Sámi priorities based on Sámi societal needs in rapidly changing conditions due to climate change and societal transformation.
Enhance the knowledge base and promote more inclusiveness of decisions that affect the Sámi people by development of Boahtteáiggi jurdagat; An approach to generate, compile and disseminate knowledge based on Sámi indigenous knowledge and Sámi values and priorities.
The project is funded by Interreg Aurora, Sami Parliament in Norway, Lapin Liitto, Finnmark, Troms, Nordland and Trøndelag County municiplaities, Region Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland Härjedalen and Västernorrland.
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ReCap ASáp consist of two main work packages:
1.Sámi governance structures for a robust and resilient Sápmi
To secure the long term development and governance of Sápmi, ReCap ASáp will promote a transition from colonial forms of governance to self-determination and decolonial models for governance, and build capacity in Sámi organisations and institutions. Further, this work package promotes collaboration over borders, exchange in knowledge over generations, map out further financing, and to secure professionalism and strong leadership in Sámi institutions.
GOAL 1: Strengthen the civil Sámi society
To promote a long-term and border-crossing civil Sámi society ReCap ASáp will arrange multiple activities.
Developing a template for how to run a Sámi NGO
A well functioning democracy postulates a strong civil society, still there exists a discrepancy between the civil Sámi society and the demands of the majority society. To accommodate the opportunities to pursue Sámi matters of Sámi organisations the project will develop a template on how to run a Sámi NGO. ReCap ASáp will collaborate with Suoma Sámiid Guovddášsearvi when testing and implementing the template. The template and manual will be applicable in all Sami organisations.
Courses for increased organisational capacity in Sápmi
Develop practical skills as a grant writer
A well-functioning NGO has the conditions and competence to bridge the gap between idea and implementation. The Sámi civil society is largely dependent on project financing in order to be able to conduct its activities. While the supply of project financiers is large, few project applications are received from Sámi organisations.
The course will strengthen individuals' ability to identify funding opportunities, translate the idea into a project plan and funder's requirements, and provide participants with practical skills in the various phases of project development.
Learn how to become the best communication officer in Sápmi
In order for Sami organisations to be able to effectively communicate their vision, they should apply strategies and policies.
The course covers areas such as how to ensure an effective communication strategy, choosing the appropriate target group and how they are affected, measuring results, how effective and ineffective communication affects the organisation's results, as well as practical skills in different communication methods.
How to lead meetings to ensure tangible outputs
Leading meetings is one of the chair's most important duties. Effectively leading meetings means everyone has a say and prevents deadlocks and confusion, which can lead to rushed decisions or missed agenda items.
The course ensures a result-oriented, sustainable and effective chairpersonship through theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
How to be a responsible board member
Often board members are chosen for their commitment or passion. Once in place as a board member, demands are placed on various skills.
This course deals with the competencies required to be able to be an adequate member, such as legal aspects, ability to take responsibility and commitment. The course offers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are sought after.
GOAL 2: Sámi Leadership for a robust and resilient Sápmi
The ever-changing world around us and challenges such as climate change and societal transformation place high demands on Sámi organisations. The uncertainty about the future, together with the identified need for indigenous knowledge and Sámi involvement in decision-making processes requires skilled leaders who can navigate the complex present and future. This need is expressed by the Saami Council's member organisations and at the political level in Sápmi.
ReCap ASáp will build capacity and strengthen civil Sami society, promote strong Sami leadership through a systematic approach by working for leadership development and cross-border cooperation. This enables proactive leadership, strengthened Sámi economy and better conditions for Sámi entrepreneurship.
Advocacy Program
ReCap ASáp will include an Advocacy program, where three committed young Sámi are given the opportunity to develop their skills and experience. The participants in the program will take part in activities that the project arranges and will get to work at the various departments of the Saami Council. The program contains theoretical and practical tasks in a diverse work environment that provide experiences and skills that prepare the participants for future work with Sami issues. The program will include inter alia;
Practical experience of cross border cooperation
Workshops for activating Sámi values and perspectives on advocacy work
Using data to identify policy issues and solutions and describing criteria to consider in selecting an advocacy objective.
Identifying key decision makers and understanding their positions around the objective.
Creating and delivering advocacy messages are examined as well as targeting the messages to different audiences who can influence the decision-making process.
Developing skills for meeting with decision-makers and for building and maintaining coalitions.
The Advocacy program are currently hiring 3 participants for the programme. The deadline is 12. May 2024
More information information about the Advocacy program and how to apply available here.
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Training in Sámi society, cross-border collaborations, and Sámi organisational work,
The opportunity to put academic theory into practice,
The opportunity to gain valuable work experience,
Insight into the processes and policies of Sámi organisations,
The opportunity to build an increased network in Sápmi,
The opportunity to contribute to the day-to-day work in a Sámi working environment.
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Sámi who wants to work with Sámi organisations and Sámi issues. There is no age limit to participating in the Advocacy Program.
Knowledge of the Sámi society and especially experience of Sámi organisations is beneficial. Good collaboration and communication skills, good writing skills, and ability to work independently. Good language skills in English, both written and spoken, is a requirement. Skills in any of the Sámi languages is beneficial.
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Deadline for applications is 12 May 2024. The application should consist of a personal letter. the letter should be written in English, maximum one page stating your background, work experience, education and any other qualifications relevant to this positions. The letter should clearly outline why you are interested in this position, your specific areas of interest and how you plan to make use of the Advocacy training after concluding the program.
Send the application to asa@saamicouncil.net
Sámi Leadership Network
Sami, as Indigenous people, live and work in majority societies, face challenges in exerting their culture and societal practices. In order to make use of and support competences and experiences within Sámi leadership ReCap ASáp will create a network of approximately 15 Sámi sitting in leading positions within Sápmi. The network offers a valuable exchange of skills and experience.
Roadmap for a Sámi Ambassador program
The project will develop a Roadmap of a Sámi Ambassador program that will outline how it can be executed and what institutions would be suitable to collaborate with and partner up with. A Sámi Ambassador program would need to be rooted broadly in Sápmi and could serve as a diplomacy training program to educate and train new skilled Sámi to advocate for Sámi societal needs on both national and international level.
2. Policy development and implementation
This work package aims to equip Sámi rights-, and -knowledge holders, as well as Sámi institutions with network, knowledge and tools to tackle the challenges mentioned above. The work package will create opportunities for Sámi to meet and discuss cross-cutting solutions in a safe environment. Ultimately, increasing capacity at the local level by involving rights- and knowledge-holders is essential to tailoring and implementing policies that strengthen and build robust Sámi communities throughout Sápmi.
GOAL 1: Boahtteáiggi jurdagat; An approach to generate, compile and disseminate knowledge
“Boahtteáiggi jurdagat” is a Sámi approach on how to handle challenges and opportunities. Based on the principles found in Boahtteáiggi jurdagat, this project will through a process of envisioning and planning for possible futures, and anticipating the potential consequences of different scenarios, contribute to bridging Sámi knowledge gaps on various topics. The process involves using critical thinking skills and creativity to anticipate trends and emerging issues, and to consider how they might shape the world in the years ahead.
Design a Boahtteáigi jurdagat toolkit
This activity will develop a toolkit based on the principles of Boahtteáigi jurdagat. The toolkit will be an aid when finding solutions to cope with the rapid changes in Sápmi. It will be universally designed to ensure that various sectors can use the approach when making decisions or engaging in meaningful engagement. The toolkit will be a guide for Sámi driven knowledge generation on civil society level but also to others.
Knowledge Hubs
The project will establish six Knowledge Hubs. The objective of the Knowledge Hubs are twofold. The work of the Knowledge Hubs will use the Boahtteáigi jurdagat toolkit as part of the validation process of the content. Secondly, the Knowledge Hubs will be centred around topics that are relevant to build societal resilience to the rapid change in Sápmi. The Knowledge Hubs will consist of experts within the topic.
Writing retreats
The project will use the approach of structured writing retreats as a capacity building training to improve writing skills. The outcome reports of the Knowledge Hubs will be used as practical training exercises in the writing retreats.
Launch outcome from Knowledge hubs
The recommendations and information produced in the Knowledge Hubs will be launched and will be available as a part of the knowledge base for decision-makers in Sápmi and beyond.
GOAL 2: Strengthening a vibrant Sámi democracy
The public debate has become harsh, and includes elements that touch upon violation of fundamental human rights for the Sámi people. Currently occurring is hate speech targeting the Sámi people, conflict regarding the right to land and water, commercial misappropriation of Sámi culture without Sámi consent. On an institutional level most of the Sámi institutions are underfunded. There is a power asymmetry in the democratic elected Sámi parliaments. This hampers the ability for the people to discuss Sámi societal challenges in a safe environment.
In such a landscape, the need for a strong and vibrant Sámi democracy is evident. The vision is to lay the foundation for an annual Sámi arena where policy, civil society, and the private sector, other stakeholders and right holders can meet to strengthen the belief in politics and democracy through open debate and involvement. Inspiration is seeked from the structure of Arendalsuka in Norway, SuomiAreena in Finland and Almedalsveckan in Sweden. The objective of a similar Sámi version is to inspire, empower, and connect Sámi people across the national borders. Further, such a platform shall also contribute to awareness among the general society about Sámi society, assisting in democratising the public debate in a more civil manner.
Roadmap for establishing an annual Sámi arena for policy-making and knowledge sharing
This activity will develop a roadmap for the establishment of an annual Sámi arena for policy making and knowledge sharing. The roadmap is a strategic plan that defines the goals and the desired outcome of a Sámi arena.
Arrange a pilot Sámi arena for policy-making and knowledge sharing
Based on the guidance from the roadmap, the project shall organise a pilot Sámi arena for policy-making and knowledge sharing with a cross border approach. The goal for the pilot is to prepare the basis for an annual event in Sápmi where Sami culture and way of life are in focus. The pilot will create an arena where Sami experts and decision-makers meet to take the first steps to develop a strategic and coherent Sámi policy as well as empowering the Sámi communities. Sámi civil society also wants to increase the knowledge base of Sami relations with decision makers. Increased knowledge and understanding among decision-makers about the Sami will contribute to creating better conditions for the Sami's opportunities for influence in matters that affect the Sami's life and culture.
The Sámi Arena will be arranged in Guovdageaidnu - Kautokeino 9.-15. June 2025.
Project staff
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