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Historical
Synopsis of the Sami/United Nations Relationship
by Christian Jakob Burmeister Hicks |
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Nordic
Saami and International Fora |
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Saami political leaders have become affective at
promoting indigenous and Saami rights throughout the UN. They are
affective because of years of participation on all levels of the
United Nations. They know how to work the systems within the UN
when other indigenous groups stumble. As Rigoberta Menchu Tuz, the
Peace Prize Nobelist noted at this year’s Permanent Forum on
Indigenous Issues, the Forum started in the corridors of the UN.
(Tuz, 2002) The first president of the Norwegian Saami Parliament
(Norske Sametinget) was Ole Henrik Magga. He was a representative
of the Saami at many UN meetings. Based on his diplomatic style
and understanding of the UN system he was chosen to be the
inaugural Chairperson for the PFII. He displayed his experience
throughout the proceedings in New York. His appointment can only
mean increased exposure and benefit for the Saami as a people. |
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