The state remains committed to continuing the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People

The state remains highly committed to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi people and considers the process very important and historically significant. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People is the first truth and reconciliation process to be implemented in Finland. It is understandable that it has taken some time for the commission to begin its challenging and difficult work.

“I hope that the commission will be able to continue its important work as soon as possible, despite the initial setbacks. The state remains committed to the work and considers the process exceptionally important,” says State Secretary Henrik Haapajärvi. 

The future of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been a topic of public discussion since two of its members, Miina Seurujärvi and Heikki J. Hyvärinen, were released from their positions as Commissioners at their request at the government plenary session on 25 May 2022, and its Secretary General Anni-Kristiina Juuso resigned from her position on 22 May 2022. 

There has been a good dialogue between the commission’s founding bodies – the Sámi Parliament, the Skolt Sámi Siida Council and the state – about the changed situation. The commission and its secretariat have also been consulted.

Since the resignations, the commission has made its own provisional arrangements internally. During the summer, the commission will assess whether it is necessary to apply for more time and funding for its work. The state wants to resolve the commission’s time and resource issues, along with other concerns that have emerged, together with all parties. It is important to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated for the commission’s work.

The Government appointed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People in close cooperation with the Sámi Parliament and the Skolt Sámi Siida Council on 28 October 2021. The term of the commission will continue until the end of 2023. 

The objective of the commission’s work is to gather Sámi people’s experiences of the actions of the Finnish state and authorities and their effects on the Sámi people, and to make this information visible. 

Inquiries: Nina Brander, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 160 347, Prime Minister’s Office