Territory Finland, the Russian Federation, Norway and Sweden
Indigenous Peoples Sámi
Indigenous Population Estimated over 100,000
Languages Nine
The Saami Council’s core missions are to:
The Sámi people live in Sápmi, an area that stretches across the northern parts of Finland, the Russian Federation, Norway and Sweden. There are no available statistics on how many Sámi there are, but over 100,000 is the estimate that is used most often. The majority of the Sámi population lives in Norway. There are nine total Sámi languages spoken today.
The Sámi people traditionally made their living from reindeer herding, fishing, livestock farming and hunting. Since 1989, the Sámi in Norway have had their own elected assembly – the Sámediggi – which acts as a consultative body for the Norwegian government authorities.
The Saami Council collaborates with Arctic States, Working Groups and other Permanent Participants regarding circumpolar relations with regular contributions to Chairmanship work plans. The Saami Council has particular interest in environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic.
Head of Delegation to Arctic Council Email
The Secretariat
Sámiráđđi /Saami Council Postbox 162 N-9735 Kárášjohka / Karasjok Norway Email +47 950 25 926