Silje Karine Muotka på Sámi Indigenous Summit 2025 i Brussel. Aina Madelén Nordsletta Aslaksen

Dear colleagues, friends and distinguished guests,

The world is changing rapidly. Europe is living through its most serious security situation in decades after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But let me begin with the core message of the Sámi Parliament today:

Norway’s security must be built together with the Sámi people, and on a foundation of respect for Indigenous rights, Sámi culture, language, and livelihoods. Strengthened preparedness in the North must not weaken Sámi communities.

This is the starting point for everything I will say today.

The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region. Climate change is reshaping our homelands. As the sea ice melts, new shipping routes and economic interests open - and with them, new strategic ambitions.

The attention of the world is on our region. But for us, the Arctic is not an abstraction. It is our home - our identity, cultures, languages, and our traditional industries. Indigenous peoples are not spectators to Arctic security. We are at its center.

This is why the Sámi Parliament values the work of the Arctic Council. It has created a rare space for cooperation, dialogue, and the recognition of Indigenous Peoples as permanent participants. We want the Council’s work on environment, climate change and sustainable development to continue and deepen.

In May this year, the Norwegian Government presented its first national security strategy. It emphasizes a robust democracy, a safe society built on trust, and a world where solutions are rooted in international law.

The Sámi Parliament welcomes these values.

At the same time, we hold a distinct mandate: to safeguard the conditions for Sámi society, Sámi culture, and Sámi rights.

Therefore, we have communicated clear expectations to the Norwegian government regarding defense and security policy.

Let me present them briefly:

1. Sámi rights must be respected in all defense policies

Military exercises in Sámi areas must be conducted in line with human rights, international law, and respect for Sámi culture, language, land use and traditional industries.

Preparedness must be built from the bottom up.

The Auditor General’s report Document 3:11 (2024-2025) shows serious weaknesses in local coordination. Sámi areas must not be a blind spot.

2. Real Sámi participation

The Sámi Parliament and affected Sámi communities must be involved early in planning. Consultations are not symbolic. They are a legal obligation under Indigenous rights frameworks. They must be followed in all decisions affecting Sámi society.

3. Increased defense presence must strengthen, not weaken, Sámi communities

We support stronger preparedness in the North. But it must not lead to loss of grazing land, damage to nature, or increased pressure on traditional livelihoods. Sámi security is also cultural security.

4. Sámi knowledge is a strategic resource

Traditional knowledge and language are essential in Arctic crisis management. Sámi communities must be included in total preparedness, including storage, communication and logistics in Sámi areas. We advocate a permanent dialogue structure between national authorities and Sámi institutions.

5. Safeguarding Sámi industries in crisis

If requisition power is used, Sámi industries must not bear a disproportionate burden. In critical situations, animals may need to be moved across regions or borders. This requires planning before a crisis occurs, not during it.

6. Sámi participation in NATO and cross-border cooperation

Sámi people live in Norway, Sweden and Finland - all NATO countries. We expect Sámi expertise to be integrated in national command lines and in NATO structures. And we will strengthen cross-border Sámi cooperation as part of the Nordic security community.

Trust is national security

Let me highlight one point that touches the core of democracy: trust.

Trust in the media, the courts, the authorities, and trust in each other, is a cornerstone of Norway’s security. In an age of disinformation, defending democracy means defending truth, transparency, and legal certainty.

Norway’s defense is also a defense of the Sámi people and Sámi territories.

The same applies to preparedness.

A defining feature of Norwegian democracy is that the Sámi Parliament may disagree with the Government or Storting on certain matters, while the relationship is still marked by mutual respect and loyalty. This strengthens national cohesion.

But this only works when all institutions uphold the rule of law. These principles are rooted in human rights, protected by the Constitution, and ensure protection of Indigenous peoples and minorities.

To conclude:

The Sámi Parliament supports the strengthening of Norway’s defense and preparedness. But it must be done in a way that does not lead to new destruction of traditional Sámi areas, or weaken Sámi culture, language or traditional industries.

We already see increased military activity in our territories. This must be followed by clear guidelines and good faith consultations. Military personnel must be trained in Sámi culture and Indigenous rights. And the state must invest in Sámi capacity, in institutions, knowledge, and communities.

Norway’s security must be built together on a foundation of respect for Indigenous rights.

This is how we strengthen preparedness. This is how we strengthen democracy. And this is how we build a sustainable Arctic future together.

Ollu giitu. Thank you.