Framing Swedish Sami Policy

Abstract: An ambiguity characterises Swedish Sami policy. In some regards, Sweden is securing rights for the Sami and receiving praise from international organisations. However, Sweden is also criticised for not supporting Sami interests, as for instance regarding a ratification of the ILO convention No. 169. Thus, Swedish Sami policies have showed to support disparate ends; in some instances strengthening Sami rights, and in others deeming against. Through frame analysis, this thesis aims to determine whether distinct assumptions of theories on multiculturalism can explain the discrepancies between these types of Sami policies. Moreover, the thesis aspires to concretise the challenges inhibiting Sweden’s ratification of ILO 169. The study shows, that conflicting notions of multiculturalism do not explain why Sami policies promote disparate ends, rather, the two types of policies are as conflicted within, as in relation to each other. Instead, the policies seem to differ in terms of interest.