Sami Struggles Resurface: Exhibition Unveils Centuries of State Abuses in Sweden

The Kin Museum in Kiruna is currently showcasing an exhibition that highlights the enduring struggles of the Sami people, Europe’s only recognized Indigenous population. This exhibition coincides with the handover of a long-anticipated report detailing the abuses committed against them by the Swedish state.

Among the featured works is Johan Turi’s seminal 1910 book, Muitalus sámiid birra (An Account of the Sami), which offers a detailed perspective on the Sami way of life, including rich illustrations of reindeer and personal accounts of their belief systems and childbirth practices. Turi aimed to counteract the racist discrimination and land disputes that have historically plagued the Sami community.

Despite the passage of over a century, the exhibition serves as a stark reminder that many of the issues faced by the Sami people remain unresolved, raising critical questions about government accountability. What has changed since Turi’s time, and how are contemporary authorities addressing these persistent injustices? As reported by The Guardian, the plight of the Sami people continues to echo the struggles of a century ago, demanding urgent attention and action from national and European leaders.

Source: The Guardian