Kolttasaamelaiset ja suomalainen sosiaalihuolto : siirtymä osaksi suomalaista yhteiskuntaa ja saamelaista alkuperäiskansaa etnisyyden ja sosiaalihuollon kontekstissa

Abstract

This study describes and analyzes the historical transition of the Skolt Sámi into Finnish society from the perspectives of ethnicity and social welfare. What makes this research topical, is the ongoing social and health care reform process, and the fact that the Sámi themselves have opened discussion about the themes described in my research and their own basis for well-being. In accordance with the theory of hermeneutic interpretation, I have searched for interactions and their meanings. The most essential material of the study is based on textual material such as programs, documents, minutes, statements and presentations related to the administration and decision-making of the Sámi Parliament. The laws, concerning the Sámi people, international human rights treaties and research literature are a key part of my research material. I have also collected material from the archives of Matti Sverloff and Karl Nickul in the Sámi archives, as well as from the library of the Skolt Museum in Neiden, Norway. The analysis of my data is a data-driven content analysis, which helps to highlight the most important factors of the research. I have analyzed the different meanings of the encounter between Skolt Sámi ethnic culture and Finnish social care, and their connection. My research can be examined with the help of three key changes describing the ethnic change of the Sámi people presented by Vigdis Stordahlen (2007). First, the integration of the Skolt Sámi into the Finnish nation-state and its change, and into the development of social welfare. Second, the Skolt Sámi accession to the wider Sámi community and being part of the Sámi political development. Third, the internationalization of Sámi politics and the accession to the indigenous people’s community. The results of my research on the historical journey of the Skolt Sámi into Finnish society show that there have been numerous externally guided changes, adaptation and the threat of losing language and culture. On the other hand, the journey of the Skolt Sámi has included finding something new, joining the Sámi people in general, and taking part in the political struggle for human rights uniting the Sámi people, and becoming part of the international indigenous community. Recently, they have started to find solutions to develop Sámi-specific social welfare services based on the right to self-determination.