Reindeer Blog

(pic: Carl-Johan Utsi) Per-Erik Marsja from Girjas Sami village and the leader of the Association of Swedish Reindeer Herders, Per-Gustav Idivuoma, submitting the application to Gällivare District Court.

The Sami Radio in Sweden reports that Girjas Sami village together with the Association of the Swedish Reindeer Herders yesterday left in a lawsuit against the Swedish state in Gällivare District Court.

Peter Danowsky lawyer from Danowsky and partners representing the Sami village and the association, says that they want a decision that says that the Sami village has exclusive rights to hunting and fishing within their reindeer herding area. They argue that since the hunting and fishing rights belong to the Sami village, the State makes intrusion when they sell hunting cards.
- The main objective is about how the state over years without legal support has taken for itself the right of the Sami to hunt and fish, says Danowsky. Now we will find out if Sami can get back the exclusive right which they previously had.

- Why is it so important to the Sami village to have exclusive right to the land?
- For several reasons, says Danowsky. It is a right closely linked to the Sami life, the reindeer husbandry rights. There is also a need to take care of the areas from a sustainable point of view, that hunting and fishing should not be leased out yo anyone anytime without control mean Danowsky.

1993 the State opened up hunting and fishing in the Swedish mountains, which means that anyone who solves hunting card has the right to hunt small game there. The Sami village dóes not believe that this compatible with property protection in the national legislation or the European Convention on Human Rights.

Same Village land-use rights unclear
Today, there is confusion about the Sami villages’ land rights. Peter Danowski hope the trial will give clarity to the case.
- In the investigations made so far is highlighted that the question about these rights is unclear. That is to say that the court ultimately determines how it is – either it is so that it is an exclusive right for the Sami, or so it continues to be a split right – but in any case it will clarify who owns the rights.