The Norwegian parliament has apologised unreservedly to minority groups and Indigenous people for more than a century of historical injustices committed against them as part of its “Norwegianisation” policy.
The forced assimilation policy – which included state-run boarding schools that banned minority languages and the forced relocation of whole villages – pursued by Norwegian authorities dated back to the 18th century and became official policy from 1851. Although parts were phased out in the 1960s, much of the policy continued into the 1980s.
The apology on Tuesday to the Sami, Kvens and Forest Finns by the Norwegian parliament, known as Storting, came after the publication of a report by the truth and reconciliation commission last year.
Last week, the commission submitted its recommendations, which included that Storting “express its deepest regret” for the abuses and its “active role” in the policy that led to them.
Other recommendations included establishing a dedicated centre for reconciliation work, reviewing Indigenous and national minority languages, and investing in language training for all ages. Starting in 2027, the government must submit a report each parliamentary term outlining the work it is doing for Indigenous people and national minorities.
The apology was backed by the majority of parliament – except for the right-wing Progress party, which voted against it – on Tuesday during a day of debate and conversations around a fire in a traditional Sami lavvu tent in Eidsvolls plass in Oslo. It was attended by members of the groups included in the report and representatives of the truth and reconciliation commission.
After the vote, the president of the Sami parliament, Silje Karine Muotka, said it had been “a day with many emotions”.
“It is powerful to experience that the Storting is apologising and acknowledging responsibility for the Norwegianisation policy,” she said. “Today I send thoughts to those who have suffered, who lost both language and culture, and who have deep wounds. Today there is hope for reconciliation.”
While the apology, she added, “ensures long-term follow-up” with financial and legal accountability, it was unfortunate no settlement had been made on continuing injustice and disputes over land and water.
She also hoped that the Kvens and Forest Finns, who she said have been subjected to “great injustice” would “experience repair in the future”.
The Norwegian truth and reconciliation commission is one of several investigations across the Nordic countries into historical injustices against Indigenous groups and minorities. Sweden’s Truth Commission for the Sami People is expected to report its findings in 2025 and Finland’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sami People is scheduled to continue until the end of that year.
