The Indigenous Voice in Majority Media. South Saami Representations in Norwegian Regional Press 1880-1990

Abstract

This chapter presents a survey of how South Saami people and Saami matters are represented in Mid-Norwegian regional newspapers from around 1880 to 1990. Papers published in Steinkjer, the regional capital of Nord-Trøndelag County, constitute the bulk of the material. To what extent and how are Saami matters represented in the newspapers? How do the papers represent South Saami identity? How and why do these representations change and to what extent and how are South Saami voices represented? The predominant topics are Reindeer herding, Saami politics, Education and language, History and culture. The period of my study coincides with the culmination and, from around 1970, the gradual elimination of the Norwegian assimilation policy towards the Saami population. Social Darwinist or racial biological views are practically non-existent in my material, although quite common in late 19th and early 20th century topographical literature about the Saami. There are examples of stereotyping and othering, mostly before the 1960s, but in general, the regional newspapers of my study take a respectful interest in Saami matters, although Saami matters do not make up a substantial part of the newspaper content until the 1970s.