Sami Parliament of Finland

The Sami Parliament of Finland (Finnish: Saamelaiskäräjät, Northern Sami: Sámediggi, Inari Sami: Sämitigge, Skolt Sami: Sääʹmteʹǧǧ) is the representative body for people of Sami heritage in Finland. The parliament consists of 21 elected mandates. The current president is Tiina Sanila-Aikio, the first vice-president is Heikki Paltto, and the second vice president is Ulla-Maarit Magga.

The act establishing the Finnish Sami Parliament was passed on 9 November 1973. The original name of was Sámi parlameanta in Northern Sami. Martti Ahtisaari passed the Act on the Sámi Parliament on 17 July 1995. This law was amended and a decree passed on 22 December 1995 and on 2 March 1996, Sámi parlameanta officially became Sámediggi.

The Finnish Sámi Parliament is located in Sajos, the Sami Cultural Centre in Inari.

Some of the responsibilities of the Finnish Sámi Parliament include matters related to the languages and culture of the Sámi and also their status as an indigenous people. The Finnish Sámi Parliament decides on the distribution of the funds it receives that are earmarked for use by the Sámi. It can also sponsor bills and release statements on matters that fall under its jurisdiction.

The Finnish Sámi Parliament is a separate branch of the Ministry of Justice and is an independent legal body subject to public law with its own governing body, accountants and auditors.

The parliament has working groups for: education and education materiel, Sami livelihood and rights, culture, social issues and health, election, and Sami language.

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