‘The same struggles as 100 years ago’: exhibition highlights lives of Sami people in Sweden

An exhibition at the Kin Museum of Contemporary Art in Kiruna, Sweden, is shedding light on the enduring challenges faced by the Sami people, Europe’s only recognised Indigenous group. The exhibition, titled ‘On the Ugly and the Beautiful,’ centres on the pioneering works of Johan Turi, a Sami author and artist from the early 20th century, whose writings and art documented the struggles of his people against discrimination and encroaching industrialisation.

• The exhibition features the works of Johan Turi, a Sami author and artist from the early 20th century.
• It highlights the ongoing struggles of the Sami people, including discrimination and land disputes.
• The display coincides with the handover of a report on state abuses against the Sami people.
• Contemporary artists Outi Pieski and Johanna Minde are also featured, drawing parallels between past and present challenges.

Johan Turi’s Vision and Legacy

Johan Turi, born in 1854, is considered the first Sami author to write about Sami life in his own language. His 1910 book, ‘Muitalus sámiid birra’ (An Account of the Sami), aimed to inform the Swedish population about the difficulties faced by the Sami people during a period of increasing settlement, industrial development, and the construction of railways.

• Turi’s work aimed to set the record straight about Sami lives in the face of racist discrimination and land disputes.
• His book was written in Sami and Danish, later translated into Swedish seven years after its initial publication.
• Turi hoped his book would reach the King of Sweden, believing it could lead to positive change for his people.
• Despite the passage of time, Turi’s pioneering works are now on display for the first time in nearly a century.

A Report on Historical Abuses

The exhibition’s timing is significant, coinciding with the official handover of a long-awaited report by the Truth Commission for the Sami People. This report details the abuses committed by the Swedish state against the Indigenous Sami population over many years.

• The Truth Commission’s report addresses historical injustices and state-sanctioned mistreatment of the Sami.
• The findings are crucial for understanding the intergenerational impact of these abuses.
• The handover marks a step towards reconciliation and acknowledgement of past wrongs.

Contemporary Relevance and Artistic Dialogue

The exhibition ‘On the Ugly and the Beautiful’ draws its title from Turi’s philosophy that both positive and negative aspects of life deserve representation. His writings, drawings, paintings, and examples of Duodji (traditional Sami handicraft) are presented alongside the works of two contemporary artists, Outi Pieski and Johanna Minde.

Artistic Connections

Pieski and Minde’s art engages with Sami culture and contemporary issues, creating a dialogue with Turi’s historical perspective. Their contributions highlight how the struggles Turi documented continue to resonate in the present day.

• Outi Pieski’s art often explores themes of Sami identity and connection to the land.
• Johanna Minde’s work also reflects on the contemporary experiences of the Sami community.
• The juxtaposition of historical and contemporary art underscores the persistent nature of Sami challenges.

Enduring Challenges for the Sami People

The issues that plagued Turi’s time remain pertinent for the Sami people today. The relentless pursuit of industry, particularly in the areas of rare earth mineral extraction and wind energy development, poses an increasing threat to traditional reindeer herding practices and the fragile Arctic environment.

• Industrial expansion, including mining for rare earth minerals, threatens Sami livelihoods.
• Wind energy projects also impact traditional reindeer migration routes and habitats.
• Anti-Sami rhetoric and discrimination continue to be a significant concern within Sweden.
• Land disputes persist, often stemming from conflicting interests between industrial development and Indigenous land rights.

The Importance of Sami Voices

Johan Turi’s determination to have his voice heard, even a century ago, is a testament to the resilience of the Sami people. His work serves as a vital historical record and a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to protect Indigenous rights and cultural heritage.

The exhibition at the Kin Museum offers a critical platform for understanding the complex history and present-day realities of the Sami. By bridging the past and present through art and historical documentation, it calls for greater awareness and action to address the ongoing struggles faced by Europe’s Indigenous population.

Conclusion

The exhibition ‘On the Ugly and the Beautiful’ at the Kin Museum in Kiruna powerfully illustrates that the challenges faced by the Sami people today echo those documented by Johan Turi over a century ago. His early efforts to record Sami life and advocate for his people’s rights laid groundwork for contemporary discussions on Indigenous rights and historical injustices.

The inclusion of modern Sami artists alongside Turi’s work creates a compelling narrative of continuity and resilience.

As Sweden grapples with the findings of the Truth Commission report and the ongoing pressures of industrial development, this exhibition serves as a crucial reminder of the need for genuine reconciliation and the protection of Sami culture and lands. The struggles for recognition, land rights, and freedom from discrimination persist, underscoring the vital importance of amplifying Sami voices and ensuring their heritage is preserved for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Johan Turi?

Johan Turi was a Sami author, artist, and reindeer herder, considered the first Sami writer to document Sami life in his own language in the early 20th century.

What is the significance of the exhibition’s title?

‘On the Ugly and the Beautiful’ reflects Turi’s belief that all aspects of life, positive and negative, should be acknowledged and displayed.

What are the main contemporary struggles of the Sami people?

Current struggles include threats to reindeer herding from industrial expansion, land disputes, and rising anti-Sami rhetoric.

What is the Truth Commission for the Sami People?

It is a commission that investigated and reported on abuses committed by the Swedish state against the Sami Indigenous people.