General information

Saaʹmi siidsååbbar, the Skolt Saami Siida Administration, is the traditional and immemorial self-government regime of the Skolt Saami people, that has continued to operate among the community for centuries. Saaʹmi siidsååbbar monitors and promotes the realisation of the rights of the Skolt Saami and is the official representative of the Skolt Saami people.

The most important task of Skolt Saami Siida Administration is to maintain and promote the traditional livelihoods and living conditions of the Skolt Saami as well as the Skolt Saami language and Skolt Saami culture. Their duties include issuing statements and monitoring the implementation of the Skolt Act and the rights of the Skolt Sámi. Skolt Saami Siida Administration cooperates with various authorities and actors and engages the Skolt Saami as a community in decision-making concerning their affairs.

The Siida Administration system nowadays includes the joint meetings of the siidas (Njauddâm and Njeäʹllem-Keväjäuʹrr) in Skolt Saami area, which are the highest decision-making organ of the system, as well as siida-specific Skolt Saami councils elected at meetings for three years at a time. Skolt Saami Siida Administration is run by an elected Skolt Saami Trustee, who is elected in every three years.

In the Njeäʹllem-Keväjäuʹrr and Njauddâm Skolt Saami areas, a joint village meeting of the Skolt Saami living in the area is held at least once a year. In addition, other meetings may be organised as necessary. The Skolt Saami Councils of the Njauddâm and Njeäʹllem-Keväjäuʹrr regions meet on average ten times a year.

Skolt Saami Siida Administration is the official representative of the Skolt Saami. Each year, the Siida Administration submits approximately 40–50 statements, proposals or initiatives to various authorities. The number has increased in line with the increase in the number of cases dealt with in recent years. Representatives of the Skolt Saami Siida Administration participate in the work of various working groups and other stakeholder activities. The Skolt Saami Siida Administration also handles requests for free, prior informed consent for a research project or measure related to the cultural heritage or traditional knowledge of the Skolt Sámi in accordance with the principles of procedure approved by the Sámi Parliament.

Under section 57 of the Skolt Act (253/1995), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry annually authorises the ELY Centre of Lapland to use the sum reserved for the costs of the village meeting system. The costs are paid from the funds of the Agricultural Development Fund. The funding covers meeting fees, travel expenses and other expenses of the Skolt Saami councils and the Election Committee, as well as fees and other expences of the Skolt Saami Trustee and the secretary assisting them. A total of approximately EUR 90,000 per year has been reserved for these expenses.