Saamelaiskäräjät

The Saamelaiskäräjät, often translated as the Sámi Parliament, is the highest representative body of the Sámi people in Finland. It operates as an independent public law institution with the aim of promoting Sámi self-determination and safeguarding Sámi culture, language, and rights. The Saamelaiskäräjät is composed of members elected by Sámi people living in Finland every four years.

The institution's responsibilities include advocating for Sámi interests in national and international forums, advising the government on matters concerning the Sámi, and managing funds allocated for Sámi cultural and educational purposes. It plays a crucial role in preserving and developing the Sámi languages, which are official languages in the Sámi homeland in Finland. The Saamelaiskäräjät also works to promote Sámi art, music, literature, and traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding.

The establishment of the Saamelaiskäräjät in 1973, and its subsequent re-establishment with more defined powers in 1996, marked significant steps in recognizing and strengthening the rights of the indigenous Sámi population within Finland. It serves as a vital platform for the Sámi community to articulate its needs and aspirations and to ensure its continued cultural survival and development.