Why the Norwegian kings open the Sami Parliament

The very first Sami Parliament was opened on October 9th 1989 in Karasjok by His Majesty King Olav the fifth. It was 11 years before the Sami Parliament building you see in front of you was completed. A memorial plaque of tanned reindeer skin with King Olav's signature hangs in the Sámi Parliament library. In 2020, the memorial plaque was formally accepted as part of Norway's documentary heritage, as it is an artifact of a historical event and recognition of the Sami political status in Norway. The memorial plaque demonstrates traditional Sami material use and design where sustainability is central. It reminds us that the Sami are an indigenous people with their own values and traditions. The name feature is embroidered with pewter thread by Sámi expert craftsperson, or duojár, Martha Jåma. The wooden frame is made by the Sami duojár Jon Ole Andersen. It has become a tradition for the King of Norway to open the Sami Parliament after each election, and this is broadcast live on NRK. His Majesty King Harald the fifth said during the 1997 opening of the Sami Parliament that, «The Norwegian state is founded on the territory of two peoples - Norwegians and Sami. Sami history is closely intertwined with Norwegian history. Today we must apologize for the injustice the Norwegian state has previously inflicted on the Sami people through a harsh Norwegianisation policy. "