Indigenous Peoples under Colonialism

The thorough examination of the colonial history in many countries of the Global North has been a significant focus in recent years (Lehtola, 2015). This examination has led to a growing awareness and, in some cases, attempts at reconciliation, particularly in regions such as the Nordic States, including Norway, Sweden, and Finland, as well as in countries like Canada and Australia. Notable figures from these dominant populations have expressed a willingness to address historical wrongs to foster a sense of unity moving forward.

Some have even issued official apologies on behalf of their states for "those gross injustices" suffered by minority populations (Reference). Such gestures, while commendable, have not fully addressed the prevailing concerns. For instance, a UNESCO report (Reference) highlights the ongoing plight of indigenous populations, noting that they remain "…often victims of displacements, dispossession of their lands, or lack of access to basic social services. It has become increasingly difficult for them to transmit their distinctive knowledge, values, and ways of life from one generation to the next."

Environmental Injustice

The vulnerability of indigenous peoples is compounded by the dual threats of globalization and climate change. The Sámi, the indigenous people of Northern Europe, particularly in Finland, face significant environmental injustices. A current and pressing issue is the proposed construction of the Arctic Railroad, which threatens to bisect their native lands. This proposed development has galvanized the Sámi community, prompting protests that feature striking red banners along the intended route. These banners carry messages in both Finnish and English, declaring, "Our land, our future," "No consent, no access," "Forest is life," and notably, "Stop CO2lonialism" (Link to video). The latter slogan, in particular, underscores the intersection of colonialism and environmental change, serving as a focal point for this essay's exploration.

Colonial Power Structures

This synopsis seeks to unravel the intricate connections between colonialism and the environmental injustices inflicted upon the Sámi population in Finland. Specifically, it addresses the protest against the Arctic Railroad Project. The changing climate in Sápmi, the traditional Sámi homeland, poses a grave threat to their reindeer herding practices and overall livelihood. This paper draws inspiration from recent protests led by the Indigenous Sámi youth organization, Suoma Sámi Nuorat, and other activists opposing the industrial exploitation of the Great Boreal Forest in Sápmi, Finland. These unique forests are threatened by the joint Norwegian-Finnish Arctic Corridor Project, which aims to facilitate the transportation of goods from the Arctic Coast. These forests are indispensable for traditional Sámi reindeer herding and provide a vital source of sustenance. The planned Arctic Railway would not only disrupt Sámi territories and devastate their forests but also exacerbate the exploitation of the Arctic. Despite a constitutional provision mandating consultations with the Sámi Parliament regarding state-managed lands in Sápmi, the Finnish government bypassed Sámi leaders when initiating an assessment of the Arctic Railroad Project.

Linking Colonialism and Environmental Change

The analysis illuminates the recurring pattern of anthropogenic environmental change as an enduring legacy of colonialism. It is particularly noteworthy that despite the Sámi's desire to participate in the decision-making process concerning the Arctic Railway Project, they were denied this opportunity. Given that this railway would inevitably encroach upon reindeer habitats, thereby perpetuating environmental change in Sápmi, one would expect the Sámi to play an active role in discussions about how to mitigate such changes. This raises the question: How is the current environmental change linked to colonialism and colonial power structures? In plain terms, why do the Sámi feel compelled to protest the construction of a railway with a sign reading, "Stop colonialism!"?

Colonialism is globally associated with resource extraction and the alienation of indigenous peoples from their lands. The imbalanced power dynamics between indigenous communities and "the State" hinder equitable participation in environmental management. To fully comprehend the relevance and consequences for the Sámi people, a thorough analysis of the (colonial) power structure is essential. Additionally, the collective memory of colonization plays a pivotal role in this context. It not only recounts historical events but also serves as a narrative that explains the current hierarchical power relations between "the State" and the Sámi. Scholars like Nora (1989) and Said (2000) have demonstrated that collective memory should be viewed as representations of the past that provide meaning to and elucidate present situations and relationships rather than merely serving as historical records.

Contemporary Environmental Destabilization

The Finnish experience underscores that "contemporary environmental destabilization is experienced additively, as a current form of change occurring on top of the history of pre-existing anthropogenic environmental change caused by settler and other kinds of colonialism" (cf. Reo et al.). This particular case can be seen as colonial "déjà vu" (Whyte, 2016). According to Whyte, "indigenous peoples face climate risks largely because of how colonialism, in conjunction with capitalist economics, shapes the geographic spaces they live in and their socio-economic conditions." For Indigenous peoples, climate injustice is "less about the specter of a new future and more like the experience of déjà vu" of colonialism. This case also intersects with broader topics, such as reparations, the neoliberal order, spatial and place-based discussions, and Nordic exceptionalism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sámi people's struggle against the Arctic Railroad Project exemplifies the enduring legacy of colonialism in the form of environmental injustice. The denial of their participation in critical decision-making processes, the encroachment on their lands, and the threats to their traditional way of life underscore the profound link between colonial power structures and contemporary environmental challenges. This essay has sought to illuminate these connections, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical injustices to create a more equitable and sustainable future. By recognizing the role of colonialism in shaping current environmental dynamics, we can work towards a more inclusive and just society for all.

Did you like this example?

1151

48