Balancing on Ice: Policy Related to Indigenous Tourism in the European Arctic – the Case of Sápmi

Abstract

This thesis uses a content analysis approach to provide a summary of what extent the tourism policy is influenced by Indigenous Peoples, with a clear focus on the Sámi, in the Sápmi region, through a description of existing policies created with the involvement of the Sámi Parliaments, and related to the tourism industry. A thesis on indigenous tourism policy created with the direct involvement of the indigenous representative institutions is important as it sheds light on the ways in which indigenous peoples are involved in tourism policy-making. The thesis could provide a more nuanced understanding of the formation of tourism policy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for indigenous tourism policy development. Additionally, this thesis can help to fill a gap in research on the role of participatory approaches in indigenous tourism policy in the Nordic region. The thesis answers the research question of what the key themes of the policy documents of the Sámi Parliaments related to indigenous tourism in Norway, Sweden, and Finland are, and how these are reflected in the National Strategies. The aim is to illuminate the extent of influence of the Sámi Parliaments in policy formation in the national level. Policy documents produced from each Sámi parliament and the three countries’ National Strategies on tourism were used as primary sources. Selected peer reviewed scientific articles and official reports where used as secondary sources. This thesis is relevant in the context of policy studies. A scholarly literature review was applied as a validation for the research. This study suggests that policy development in the area of indigenous tourism is evolving, with a focus deriving mainly from the Sámi side on promoting self-determination and participation, cultural authenticity and protection, sustainability and diversity. The research has identified that the key themes were not equally present in the exact wording/key terms in the National Strategies. However, they are not ignored, but alternatively they are reflected to a different degree. Overall, the studied policies and initiatives in Norway, Sweden, and Finland demonstrate a level of commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Sámi and promoting indigenous tourism. It seems that the Sámi Parliament's efforts to promote the participation of the Sámi people in tourism development have been successful to some extent, but that there is still work to be done to ensure that the interests and rights of the Sámi people are fully respected.