The Church of Sweden is investigating its role in the Swedishization of Tornedalians

In 2020, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission traveled around the villages of Tornedalen to collect stories.

The reason was that the Commission is currently investigating abuses against Tornedalians, an investigation that was initiated by the Tornedal minority.

The commission, which is appointed by the government, will examine the abuses that have occurred on the Swedish side over the years.

It is primarily about the head measurements and the compulsion to speak Swedish in schools.

And it is in this context that the Church of Sweden's role in the Swedishization of Tornedalingar, Kväner and lantalaiset is discussed.

"Tell what researchers have found"

Stefan Aro, secretary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, says that it is too early to say what it would mean if Meänkieli-speaking people received an apology from the Church of Sweden.

- Today it is about telling what our researchers have found when it comes to the role of the church.

Then the talks will continue, he says.

Archbishop: "People have lost their language"

The organizers behind the meeting were the Church of Sweden.

One of those present was Archbishop Antje Jackelèn.

- We have seen how the Swedishisation policy has led to people losing their language and children not being able to assimilate education, she says.

In the video above, you hear the Archbishop and the Secretary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission develop their thoughts.