Norwegian Sámi Association
The Norwegian Sámi Association (Northern Sami: Norgga Sámiid Riikasearvi [ˈnorːkka ˈsaːmijt ˈrijːkaˌsea̯rːviː]; Lule Sami: Vuona Sámij Rijkasiebre; Southern Sami: Nøørjen Saemiej Rijhkesiebrie; Norwegian: Norske Samers Riksforbund), also known as NSR, is the largest Sámi organization in Norway. The association was founded in 1968.[1]
Norwegian Sámi Association Norgga Sámiid Riikasearvi Vuona Sámij Rijkasiebre Nøørjen Saemiej Rijhkesiebrie Norske Samers Riksforbund | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Beatrice Fløystad |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Ideology | Sámi interests |
| Colours | Yellow |
| Sámi Parliament | 18 / 39 |
| Website | |
| http://nsr.no/ | |
Purpose
The NSR actively runs cultural, social, and informational work through local groups and Sámi associations. In total, 24 Sámi associations are attached to the NSR. The NSR is also active politically, running for elections in Sametinget (the Sámi Parliament of Norway) and sending delegates to the Sámi Council.
The NSR was founded in 1968, so it has been contributing to the development of Sámi society and culture since before the Sámi Parliament was established. The NSR goal is to unite the Sámi people across different special interests. As such, the NSR is independent of any outside political parties or religions.
Since the establishment of the Sámi Parliament in 1989, the NSR has held the leadership and presidency of the organization. The Sámi Parliament presidents have been Ole Henrik Magga from Kautokeino (1989–1997), Sven-Roald Nystø from Tysfjord (1997–2005), and Aili Keskitalo from Kautokeino (2005–2007, 2013–2016 and 2017–2021).
Presidents
The following table lists the presidents of the NSR since its founding.[2]
| Name | Term |
|---|---|
| Beatrice Fløystad | 2022–present |
| Vidar Andersen (acting) | 2021–2022 |
| Runar Myrnes Balto | 2018–2021 |
| Niillas Beaska | 2014–2018 |
| Gunn Britt Retter (acting) | 2013–2014 |
| Aili Keskitalo | 2008–2013 |
| Silje Karine Muotka | 2006–2008 |
| Martin Urheim (acting) | 2005–2006 |
| Aili Keskitalo | 2003–2005 |
| Klemet Erland Hætta | 2001–2003 |
| Janoš Trosten | 1998–2001 |
| Geir Tommy Pedersen (acting) | 1997–1998 |
| Sven-Roald Nystø | 1995–1997 |
| Nils Thomas Utsi | 1991–1995 |
| Ragnhild Lydia Nystad | 1985–1991 |
| Ole Henrik Magga | 1980–1985 |
| Odd Ivar Solbakk | 1979–1980 |
| Peder Andersen | 1976–1979 |
| Odd Mathis Hætta | 1974–1976 |
| Regnor Solbakk | 1971–1974 |
| Johan Mathis Klemetsen | 1969–1971 |
References
- "Om oss" [About us] (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2011-03-07.
- "NSRs ledere gjennom 30 år" [NSRs leaders through 30 years] (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2011-03-07.