(Updated 4.3.2026)
The Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded its work at the end of last year. With the publication of its final report, attention now turns to implementation — in Parliament, in institutions, and in civil society.
What are the key findings of the report? How did the truth and reconciliation process unfold? What opportunities and challenges lie ahead in implementing the recommendations? What cross-border lessons can be drawn from similar processes in other Nordic countries?
This online event will examine the Finnish process from multiple perspectives: the Commission itself, the Sámi community, the parliamentary working group, and Nordic experience. The aim is to deepen public understanding of the report and to encourage informed discussion about the next steps.
Time: 12th of March 2026, 18:00–20:00 (UTC+2)
Location: Online event (in English) Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96002440954
Programme
18:00–18:10 Opening of the Event
Welcome remarks by Dr. Erkki Tuomioja, Chair, Historians without Borders in Finland
Moderation by Eeva Honkonen
18:10–18:25 Hannele Pokka, Doctor Juris; former Chair of the Sami Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Finland
Overview of the Commission’s Work and Proposals
18:25–18:40 Tuomas Aslak Juuso, Vice President, Sámi Parliament of Finland
Presentation: State of the Truth to Reconciliation process from the view of Sámi Parliament in Finland
18:40–18:55 Dr. Laila Susanne Vars, Commissioner, Truth Commission for the Sámi People, Sweden
Presentation: Turning Truth into Change: Implementing the Recommendations of the Nordic Sámi Truth Commissions
18:55-19:10 Sheryl Lightfoot, Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto; Vice Chair of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
Presentation: The Post-Commission Context: Reflections from the Canadian and International Experience
18:10–19:25 Antti Rinne, Secretary General, Parliamentary Working Group
Presentation: TBA
19:25–19:40 Panel Discussion: After the Report – How Do We Move Forward?
19:40–19:55 Audience Questions
19:55–20:00 Closing Remarks
The event is organised by Historians without Borders in Finland and The Arctic Society of Finland, in cooperation with the parliamentary working group.
A more in-depth, discussion-oriented follow-up event will be held in Helsinki in early May.