Sweden's Invisible Minority Seeks Recognition as Indigenous People

In the village of Korpilombolo, a significant movement is unfolding as Tornedalians, a national minority in Sweden, aspire for recognition as an indigenous people. Eva Kvist, a leader within the Swedish Tornedalians National Federation, has been at the forefront of this effort, presenting a historical request dating back to 1999 for official indigenous status.

Currently, the Sami people are the only recognized indigenous group in Europe, leaving Tornedalians, which include the Kvens and Lantalaiset identities, advocating for equal status. Their petition is now under review by the Swedish government.

Kvist, who identifies as Tornedalian, Lantalainen, and Kven, has deep roots in this struggle, having grown up with the fight for recognition initiated by her father, Weikko Kvist, a founding member of the Kvenlands Federation in the early 1990s.

The history of this minority has often been overlooked. Judit Malmgren, a doctoral candidate in history at Luleå University of Technology, points out that academic focus has predominantly centered on the Sami as the sole inhabitants of the region known as Lappmarken, which spans northern Sweden, Norway, and Finland. This narrow perspective may obscure the contributions of other groups, including Finnish-speaking peoples who have coexisted with the Sami for centuries.

Malmgren, alongside fellow researchers, has been examining the historical land use in areas traditionally inhabited by the Talma Sami village, which has legal disputes regarding hunting and fishing rights against the state. Their findings revealed that Finnish-speaking individuals have historically lived in these territories.

Archaeological evidence often attributes remnants of dwellings and reindeer herding solely to the Sami, despite the presence of other communities. Malmgren emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to research on Lappmarken to prevent perpetuating the notion that only Sami occupy these regions.

Kvist reflects on the invisibility of her community's history, expressing a need to assert their cultural identity and heritage. Her organization, the Swedish Tornedalians National Federation, established in 2023, aims to promote and develop the minority's cultural and linguistic identity.

In 2021, the Swedish government formed a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate and acknowledge the historical injustices faced by Tornedalians, Kvens, and Lantalaiset. The commission's report, released in November 2023, highlighted the assimilation policies that led to the suppression of the minority's language, Meänkieli, and documented abuses, including racial biological measurements and mistreatment of children.

For Kvist, the revelations from the commission's work were deeply emotional, illuminating a painful history of discrimination and cultural erasure. She notes the significance of reindeer herding and the natural way of life, including hunting and fishing, as central to her identity.

The Tornedalian community, consisting of individuals who identify as Tornedalians, Kvens, and Lantalaiset, is characterized by a rich cultural tapestry. Their language, Meänkieli, became an officially recognized minority language in Sweden in 2000, intended for protection and promotion. While the exact population is undetermined, approximately 150,000 people in Sweden reportedly speak or understand Meänkieli.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has proposed several measures to bolster the minority's status and recommended that the government explore the possibility of granting Tornedalians indigenous status, akin to that of the Sami. The report also underscored the challenges faced by Tornedalian reindeer herders under current regulations.

Kvist herself belongs to a concessional reindeer herding group, allowing her to manage reindeer despite not being a traditional reindeer herder. However, her rights are limited, and any relocation could result in losing her connection to her reindeer. This loss would feel like losing a part of her identity.

Amidst her advocacy, Kvist emphasizes the importance of ensuring future generations can take pride in their cultural heritage and language. She recalls fond memories of her childhood spent among reindeer, illustrating the deep emotional ties to her community's traditions.

The continual criticism from the Council of Europe regarding Sweden's treatment of minority rights highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Tornedalians, Kvens, and Lantalaiset, particularly concerning language and education. Kvist expresses a desire for acknowledgment of their history and the ability to embrace their cultural identity without shame.

To achieve indigenous status, a group must demonstrate a historical connection to their traditional lands and cultural distinctiveness from the majority population. However, the process for applying for such recognition remains unclear, ultimately requiring political action.

In a recent survey conducted by a Swedish publication, several political parties, including the Left Party, the Sweden Democrats, and the Green Party, have expressed support for investigating the potential for granting indigenous status to Kvens, Tornedalians, and Lantalaiset. The Social Democrats have shown openness to further discussions but have not taken a formal stance yet.

Kvist calls for increased political engagement and accountability from the government regarding the minority's future. Her advocacy does not seek to diminish the rights of the Sami but rather aims for equitable recognition of cultural rights for Tornedalians. She emphasizes the necessity of making their voices heard and the importance of cultural preservation amidst pressures of assimilation.