No hate against Sámi people (Sammen mot samehets) is a Norwegian project that gathers youth leaders and local decision-makers to strengthen competence in, and commitment to, preventing hate speech and discrimination against the Sámi people.
The Sámi people are an indigenous group in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia (with the Sámi name of Sápmi). The Sámi have their own languages, culture and ways of living. They have experienced a history of assimilation in all countries.
While significant progress has been made in combating discrimination and prejudice against the Sámi minority in recent decades, Norway continues to face challenges related to anti-Sámi hate speech, particularly in politically sensitive debates on land use and Indigenous rights.
Against this backdrop, the Wergeland Centre launched the project “No hate against Sámi people” in 2023, with the aim of strengtheningyoung people’s role in preventing hate speech and promoting cross-cultural understanding and democratic participation. Through collaboration with the Narvik War and Peace Centre, the Sámi Parliament, the Saami Council, and Sámi youth organisations, the project has grown year by year.
As a peace and human rights centre, The European Wergeland Centre believes that dialogue, increasing knowledge, and greater contact between people can reduce conflicts and prejudice.
Ida Berge, Project Manager
One of the key outcomes of the project overall, has been a Democratic Checklist for the Prevention of Anti-Sámi Hate Speech – created by the northernmost regional youth councils, and since incorporated into the Norwegian Government’s Action Plan against Hate Speech and Discrimination against Sámi people. In 2025, the checklist was further developed by the youth delegates, ensuring that it remains a living and evolving document.
In 2025, youth delegates from twelve regional youth councils took part in a workshop in Sørmarka, just outside Oslo. By bringing together youth leaders from across the country – also from outside the traditional Sámi settlement areas – the workshop helped participants gain knowledge, engage in dialogue, and develop tools to address anti-Sámi hatred in their local communities. Participants explored Sámi history, the legacy of harmful assimilation policies, as well as contemporary human rights challenges faced by the Sámi communities.
Since attending the workshop in Sørmarka, several youth councils have initiated local measures, including promoting the use of Sámi languages, integrating Sámi perspectives into consultations and policy processes, and raising awareness of Sámi culture and history within their communities.
In 2026, the Wergeland Centre aims to further develop the project, strengthening Nordic cooperation and expanding collaborations with youth organisations.
“Our Youth Council has gained more knowledge onSámi history, and what to keep in mind when making political suggestions, like including Sámi voices in political strategies and public hearings. They have developed a conscious bond to the Sámi minority and to the hate speech directed at them,” said one local coordinator of youth councils after the workshop.
The project is funded by The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs.