Developing Sami Rights as Indigenous Rights : Does the Introduction of Group Rights Increase 'Ethnic' Tensions?

Abstract

This thesis analyze the development of Norwegian Sami rights and the consequences of their implementation. It consists of two parts. The first is theoretically based and consider the development of indigenous rights as group rights through political philosophy. It then gives an overview of the legal obligations made by Norway towards the Sami people, and the establishment of the Sami Parliament. The second, empirical part of the thesis analyzes how this has affected the relationship between Norwegians and Samis in Finnmark. It argues that there are indications of 'ethnic' tensions, but that they often are based on misunderstandings. The main conclusion emphasize the importance of open communications in order to make the system of group rights work.