Indigenous peoples and minorities
The basis for the Government’s policy towards the Sami people is that, as a state, Norway was originally established on the territories of two peoples, Norwegians and Sami, and that both these peoples have the same right to develop their cultures and languages. Jews, Kvens (people of Finnish descent in Northern Norway), Roma and Romani people, and Forest Finns have status as national minorities. The Government wishes to strengthen the basis for minorities to cultivate their own cultures.
It is the Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs that is responsible for the Government’s policy towards the Sami people and minorities.
On this page you will find general information and documents relating to indigenous peoples and minorities. You can explore this topic in more detail by using the menu on the right.
