Participatory handling of conflicts in Sámi areas

Abstract

In this article, we conduct an explorative investigation for a participatory research project in the Northern Norwegian Sámi areas. The contextual background is one of increasing conflict with the public welfare services reported by the media and by users. Public employees are unskilled in restorative practices, and the Norwegian mediation service is not adapted to Sámi conditions. We initiated an innovative process to test whether the Norwegian Mediation Service methodology could be used to resolve disputes concerning reindeer herding and whether this cooperation may contribute to mediation methods adapted to Sámi societies.