Read text in Sami.

This year, exactly 100 years have passed since the first Sami national congress, held in Trondheim from 6–9 February in 1917. A major celebration – known as Tråante 2017 – is therefore taking place in the city this year, with President of the Storting Olemic Thommessen taking part as the Storting’s representative.

“Tråante 2017 is an important commemoration,” Mr Thommessen said. “The Sami congress on 6 February 1917 was an important day because it was a key turning point in Sami history. The meeting was the result of a political awakening, and started a long process whose fruits we are reaping today.”

Among the Storting president’s activities was a speech in Trondheim’s main square.

“Sami culture today enriches us all,” he said. “I would like to thank the Sami people for their part in Norwegian society, and offer best wishes for the anniversary and for the future of the Sami people.”

Read the President of the Storting’s speech (in Norwegian and Sami).

National Day adopted in 1992

The decision to designate 6 February the Sami National Day was taken by the 15th Nordic Sami Congress, which met in Helsinki in 1992.

Storting parties express congratulations

Jonas Gahr Støre, Labour Party: Best wishes on the anniversary and the grand jubilee! We live in a time when there is reason not only to celebrate the resource and wealth that Sami culture represents for Norway but also to rally protectively around around our cultural diversity.

Knut Arild Hareide, Christian Democratic Party: I would like to say congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the first Sami congress. That congress was an important historical event that gave fresh impetus to work supporting Sami identity. This work is still important, and I hope and believe the events of the days ahead will hold positive significance for Sami culture, language, business and history.

Trine Skei Grande, Liberal Party: Congratulations are in order after 100 years of struggle for democracy, justice and diversity. Looking around at the world today, we must never forget to stand up for these things.

Marit Arnstad, Centre Party: From the Centre Party, we wish the Sami people happiness and good fortune on this special day. Læhkoeh biejjine, Vuorbbe biejvijn, Lihkku biejvijn. We express our best wishes for the 100th anniversary of the congress in Trondheim, and for a happy Tråante 2017. It is going to be a wonderful celebration of democracy, justice and diversity. Sami history, culture and business have a great deal to showcase that’s of great importance to us all.

Trond Helleland, Conservative Party: The Conservatives would like to express our best wishes to all the Sami people on the Sami National Day and 100th anniversary. The first congress was an important event in the history of the Sami people and of Norway, having to do with awareness and the start of the democratic process embracing international law for Sami and non-Sami people in the Sami areas. Today the whole country celebrates with the Sami people!

Audun Lysbakken, Socialist Left Party: The Socialist Left Party congratulates the Sami people on their centenary. We look forward to taking part in the grand celebration. The Socialist Left Party has proposed that the Storting set up a truth commission on the policy of Norwegianisation. We think that is befitting of a jubilee year.

Harald T. Nesvik, Progress Party: I would like to take this opportunity to express our congratulations. This is a day to celebrate the Sami culture as an important part of our common Norwegian history. But this is not just a day of celebration and joy; it is also a day for reflection on how indigenous people have been treated, both in Norway and abroad. Fortunately, much has improved since 1917, but much remains to be done, and perhaps Tråante will help to highlight the importance of preserving Sami culture for the coming generation. Happy anniversary!

Rasmus Hansson, Green Party: Ever since the Alta struggle, the Norwegian environmental struggle has been linked with Sami rights. Indigenous people often have the best view of the changes occurring in nature and the climate. Today, Sami rights face challenges from the mining industry, the oil industry and other assaults on nature and the climate. We will continue the struggle for Sami rights, and for the kind of environmental and climate management that safeguards not only Sami welfare, but the welfare of all people, also in the future. Best wishes, and enjoy the jubilee!