Hegemonic Humans? The Norwegian Sami struggle for indigenous rights and a close-to-nature theology of creation.

Historically, Norway is constituted by Sami tribes and Norse settlers. These historical groups are still referenced, and in 2013 a conflict evolved between Sami tribes and the Norwegian state. The state will erect 277 wind turbines on a specific site, not taking into account that the location is an important Sami winter pasture for reindeer. Huge wind turbines disturbing 2000 grazing reindeer may violate the Sami people's rights. Despite protests, the government decided (March 6, 2024) to build the turbines as planned. As a consolation, Sami reindeer herders are promised “compensation”. I will use this complex case to ask “Who are the ‘hegemonic humans’ in Norwegian thinking and theology?” I will discuss the case by comparing two influential traditions: inherited Sami Nature Spirituality and modern Scandinavian Creation Theology.