Defining the limitations and opportunities in the consultation with the Sámi: The cases of the Arctic Railway and the Davvi Vindpark

Abstract

This paper points to a number of limitations in the consultation with the Sámi, such as incomplete information, lack of transparency and the failure of governments to build relationships based on trust with the Sámi. The article discusses limitations and opportunities of consulting Indigenous peoples based on two cases, the Arctic Railway and Davvi Vindpark. It builds on the analysis of news articles from the Sámi unit of the Finnish national broadcasting company as well as “memory-work.” Additionally, the findings of this study seem to indicate that the limitations to consultation and participation of Indigenous peoples persist even after signing international agreements such as the ILO Convention No. 169. In the conclusions, we also point to some opportunities for consultation and greater participation found in the investigation.