Sámi Rights and Mineral Exploitation in Northern Sweden

Essay from the year 2023 in the subject Politics - Miscellaneous, grade: 1,3, University of Göttingen (Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät), course: Vergleichende Politikwissenschaft, language: English, abstract: In Sweden, known for high quality of life, freedom, and gender equality, concerns arise regarding the treatment of its indigenous Sámi population, particularly in mineral-rich northern Sweden (Sápmi). Despite Sweden's international human rights reputation, scholars highlight issues in recognizing the Sámi as a distinct Indigenous group. The focus on mineral exploitation in Sápmi, inhabited and used by the Sámi, reveals a contentious situation. The paper investigates if Sámi people face discrimination in mineral exploitation, considering their land claims based on indigeneity and reindeer husbandry. While Sweden pursues mineral access, the paper questions the fairness of treatment and explores whether Sámi people merit special rights. The analysis extends beyond mineral exploration, shedding light on Sweden's treatment of indigenous peoples. Divided into three parts, the paper evaluates contemporary research, assesses potential discrimination against the Sámi, and concludes that while Sweden may not discriminate in mineral mining, it falls short in recognizing the Sámi as an indigenous people.