The declaration contains seven demands, and the first is about the EU's green transition that risks coming into conflict with Sami interests.

"As indigenous peoples of Europe, we oppose any attempt to exploit our lands and waters, which takes place without our consent and without the protection of our culture, livelihoods and way of life," the declaration said.

It calls for the immediate implementation of international human rights instruments, such as ILO 169, UNDRIP, ICCPR and ICESCR.

Furthermore, all actors with activities that affect nature and the environment in the Sami traditional areas should in their applications for permits report a policy for how to protect humanity and indigenous peoples, the declaration says.

Protect traditional food

The declaration also addresses a topic that was discussed earlier this morning at the conference – traditional food, which is important for the identity and culture of the Sami. It requires an unspoiled and sustainable living environment, it states.

The marjority of the parties bought the declaration right off. But on one formulation, it was not possible to achieve consensus:

"... affirms that racism is a force that permeates Western society and underpins structural and institutional discrimination in Europe and the Nordic countries."

'Too strong a word'

The party Nordkalottfolket, in the Norwegian Sami Parliament, wanted to reformulate the proposal in the part that dealt with racism, and when that did not happen, reservations were made.

Ulf Thore Johansen, the people of the Cap of the North, thinks it is too strong to say that racial immen permeates Western society.

"The reservation is about the word permeate. I feel that Sweden wants to use such words. But it is too strong a word, and I think it is a pity that we are using it. That is not constructive.

How should it have been worded instead, do you think?

"We have put forward our own proposal in which we recognise that racism is part of our society. But to say that it permeates, we think, is too strong.

"Am a little disappointed"

Norwegian Sami President Silje Karine Muotka says it is important and good that the conference has adopted the declaration, but is also disappointed with the reservation.

"If you had taken the responsibility to join the working group that worked on the proposal right from the start, then you would have had the opportunity to reformulate that sentence. So that you can support and show solidarity with those who experience racism, says Silje Karine Muotka

Read the entire declaration on the Sámi Parliament's website.