Girja's Sami village got right to the state - the conflict makes an impression in art

It was in 2009 that Girja's Sami village, supported by the Swedish Sami Federation, sued the state. The much-debated goal is about who should have the right of access to small game hunting and fishing in the Sami village areas above the cultivation border - is it the state or the Sami village?

The state has demanded that it, as landowner, has the right to decide and that Girjas should have the right to exercise hunting and fishing alone. Girjas argues that the right of lease should accrue to them, through what is called the memory of ancient times, which is based on having used the land for a long time.

And on Thursday, the Supreme Court ruling fell: Giraja's Sami village gets the right to allow small game hunting and fishing without the consent of the state.

- I just cried. I didn't think it was true. It was overwhelming, says musician Sofia Jannok, to the Culture News.

- It feels good for the whole Sami self-confidence, that you have also won something. Otherwise it is usually the case that you never get it right. If you have lost rights, it is very difficult to get them back, says artist Anders Sunna, to the Culture News.

The case, which has taken many legal trips, has come to deal with so much more than the issue of substance. It has become a symbol of the rights of the Sami and has engaged large sections of the Sami population. It has also made an impression in art.

- Before that trial in court, I and the artist Anders Sunna made a surprise for peppering our friends in Girjas. We were seen outside the court in the middle of the night and Anders painted a fantastic work of art that says "We are still here". Then we popped my song We Are Still Here during the time when the parties and all visitors arrived, says Sofia Jannok.

The Girjasm goal has come to be about much more than the issue of matter, it has become a symbol of the Sami rights and struggle. In this context, art can be a powerful tool, says Anders Sunna.

- The art can inform, inform and tell about important events and give this feeling. With the help of image and art you can reach out in a different way, instead of thinking: Here you get a large stack of paper - read through this and understand.

At the same time, there is disagreement about the Girjasm target also within the Sami population. There is a concern from hunters that the judgment, which becomes a precedent, could mean that the small game hunt would be limited or become more expensive with Sami decision-making rights.

Chancellor Mari Heidenborg, who has represented the state in the case since 2018, believes that the Supreme Court has done a thorough job and welcomes the fact that the process is now completed.

- Now we know what applies to the issue of these rights. It did not go the way of the state, but I am happy on behalf of the Sami village. I think the process has been even more stressful for them, ”says Mari Heidenborg to SVT News.