Tornedalians want to become indigenous people – the request is sent to the government

Tornedalians are one of Sweden's five recognized national minorities belonging to the Meänkieli-speaking ethnic group.

"Demanding our rights"

Today, the Sami are Sweden's only recognized indigenous people. The Swedish Tornedalians' National Association – Tornionlaaksolaiset (STR-T) wants to change that.

"We are demanding and demanding our rights that have been taken away from us," says STR-T Vice President Terje Raatamaa.

The request was not dealt with

Already in 2020, the association submitted a request for indigenous status, but then the issue was not addressed.

"At the time, the answer was that there was no support in the Riksdag for the ratification of ILO 169," says Eva Kvist, Executive Director, STR-T.

"Doesn't just affect a minority"

Today, the union estimates that 150,000 people belong to the minority group. A figure based on a survey conducted by Swedish Radio.

"It's a figure that's on the low side. This affects not only this minority, but also the majority population of which we are a part. Our history is shared, it's also Sweden's history that we're talking about," says Kvist.

Hear why the issue of indigenous status is important to the Swedish Tornedalians' National Association in the clip.