Seminar: Empowering Sápmi (en)

Full-day seminar Friday 12.08.2022 in conjunction with the 22nd Saami Conference in Gällivare, Sweden

The term empowerment refers to measures designed to increase the degree of autonomy and self-determination in individuals, peoples and communities to enable them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way. It is the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. Empowerment as action refers both to the process of self-empowerment and to the professional support of others, which enables them to overcome their sense of powerlessness and lack of influence and to recognize and use their resources and chances.

Empowering Sápmi is a broad theme that encompasses many aspects of the development of our society. It is about living languages, secured land rights, strong institutions, good conditions for our livelihoods, children and youth that are proud of their background and identity, cross-border cooperation, a vibrant cultural life, research and education that fulfills our needs, and a healthy environment - to mention some. What is needed to empower Sápmi? What is our responsibility, and what relies on others?

Objectives
The objective of the seminar is to improve a common understanding of what is needed in order to empower Sápmi. The seminar aims to build capacities on best practices and successful implementation of empowerment in Sápmi as well as address challenges we face.

At the conclusion of this seminar, it is anticipated that the participants will gain knowledge of different ongoing actions in Sápmi that will lead to empowerment of our society, they will have an enhanced understanding of what is needed in order to further empower Sápmi, and they will have increased awareness of both possibilities and challenges Sápmi is facing.

Full program can be found here.