The Sami Strategy Plan for the University of Tromsø

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Background
The University of Tromsø is an international centre for the study of Sami issues in particular as well as for issues relating to indigenous peoples and minorities in general. The University also holds a particular national responsibility as far as Sami and indigenous research and education are concerned. As shown by the University Strategy Plans of the 1990s, Sami reasearch is an area of priority. The latest manifestation for this prioritizing is the Sami Strategy Plan for the period 2000-2010. Initiated by former rector Tove Bull, this Plan was drawn up under the direction of the Centre for Sami Studies. As indicated by its historical overview, Sami reasearch, competence building and education have all been focal points for the University since its establishment. An exhaustive list of initiatives meant to strengthen recruitment, research and education of Sami and indigenous issues is presented in the Plan. The suggested initiatives are founded on ideas from the various academic environments at the University.

The Action Plan

According to the University Boards Decision S 125-00, the Centre for Sami Studies is to have the superior responsibility in terms of delegating tasks and liabilities of the Strategy Plan to the University departments. On the basis of this decision, an Action plan has been developed which structures the proposed measures of the Strategy Plan into three main areas:

a) strengthening of the Sami language,

b) improving conditions for research and education,

c) recruitment, information and institutional cooperation.

Implementation

The University Board has decided to set aside 1 mill NOK per year in a 5-year period in order to carry out the measures indicated in the Action Plan.

The amount is at the disposal of the Centre for Sami Studies which will be in charge of ranking the various measures. The University Board has placed an emphasis on the teaching of Sami language courses for beginners.

On this basis, the Board of the Centre for Sami Studies has set aside funds for a number of measures, among which beginners education in Sami is one. The scope for regular Strategy Funds has also been increased.

As a part of the follow-up of the Sami Strategy Plan the Centre will compile an updated overview of ongoing and prospective Sami and indigenous research and education at the University.

The Centre for Sami Studies has made a list of Doctoral theses from the University of Tromsø relating to Sami and indigenous issues. (The list is only in Norwegian and Sami).