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Sami
people day celebrated in Norway |
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Oslo, Feb
07, 2010 –Today,
Saturday February 6th is celebrated as the indigenous Sami
People's Day in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. The
day is official flag day in Norway, and the Sami flag is
flown on all official buildings.
The
Nordic Sami Council decided in 1992 to celebrate a joint
Sami National Day, and the day was first celebrated on
February 6th 1993.
It marks
the date of the first Sami National Convention in Trondheim
in 1917. This was the first time the Sami gathered around
common interests, across national Nordic boundries.
After 100
years of 'Norwegianization', Sami spokesmen started working
for a recognition of Sami culture, language and Sami rights
around the turn of the century.
The Sami
language is again used in local schools, and a Sami
Parliament has been established in Norway. The Sami are also
campaigning for first rights to natural resources in their
region.
The Sami
anthem and flag were approved at a Nordic Sami Convention in
1986.
The Sami
National Day on February 6th has been made official flag day
in Norway, alone or alongside the Norwegian flag.
Around
40,000 Samis live in Norway, 20,000 in Sweden and 7,000 in
Finland. In addition, an estimated 2,000 live in Russia.
(NRK/Norway Post)
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