Finland’s Sami Parliament starts new term

Finland’s president Sauli Niinistö is taking part in the opening ceremony of the new term of the Sami Parliament (Sámediggi) in Inari, Lapland, on Tuesday. The parliament, which was established in 1966, is to commence the 2012-2015 term.

The body represents the official view of Finland’s indigenous Sami population. Under Finnish law, the country’s some 9,000 Sami have the right to maintain and develop their own language, culture and traditional livelihoods.

After the ceremony, the presidential couple will attend the opening of the Sami Cultural Centre SAJOS.

Before the opening ceremony of the parliament, the presidential couple will visit the national museum of the Finnish Sami, Siida, where organisers are hosting a discussion on potential uses of Arctic territories.

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