Revealing power in a (de)politicized landscape - A case-study of how Indigenous Sámi rights are interpreted and applied within land management in Sweden

Abstract: This study is investigating the possibilities for the Indigenous Sámi People of Sweden to exercise their right to participate in, and influence, decision-making processes over land. The objective of the study is to investigate how Sámi rights are interpreted and applied within the institutional setting of municipalities, and within the planning process of land management. The study derives from two case study areas: Lycksele and Kiruna. The analysis consists of qualitative material indicating each municipalities’ planning process around land-use, and interviews with key actors responsible for, or involved with, land management. By using an institutional approach and theories of power, I deconstruct how Sámi rights are embedded in an institutional framework of politics, local power dynamics and municipal management. The findings present the process of consultation to entail a number of constraining factors for Sámi rights. The planning system is enabling power asymmetries to prevail and allows for plan proposals to silence Sámi perspectives on land-use. Patterns of non-recognition further allows for actors to override the Sámi peoples right-holder status and enforce ideals of equality over equity in the process of participation.