The Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Finland submitted its final report on 4 December 2025. Metsähallitus thanks the Commission for its valuable and historic work in investigating violations of the status and rights of the Sámi people and is prepared continue efforts to improve collaboration.
“It is important to highlight both past and present shortcomings so that they can be discussed openly and so that we can agree on measures to strengthen the status of the Sámi. Next, a parliamentary working group will assess the Commission’s recommendations and plan follow-up actions together with the Sámi Parliament and the Skolt Sámi Siida Administration. Metsähallitus will also carefully study the Commission’s recommendations. We are prepared to support the efforts of the working group and promote dialogue,” says Juha S. Niemelä, Director General of Metsähallitus.
Over 90% of the Sámi Homeland is located on state-owned lands managed by Metsähallitus. Metsähallitus is responsible for safeguarding the preconditions for practising the Sámi culture by managing, using and protecting the natural resources under its stewardship. We promote the Sámi people’s right to maintain and develop their language and culture through agreements and negotiation procedures and by supporting Sámi-language communications and cultural projects.
“Collaboration between Metsähallitus and the Sámi community has been developed for decades, and current collaborative practices are quite comprehensive and functional. Our dialogue with representatives of the Sámi community is intensive, and we consider it to be very important and valuable,” Niemelä says.
Metsähallitus’ activities in the Sámi Homeland are guided by a natural resource plan for the region, which has been prepared in collaboration with the Sámi community and stakeholders in the region. There are also other partnership agreements in place, and the Akwé: Kon guidelines, which are based on the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, are applied in land use processes.
Metsähallitus does not carry out any fellings or other forestry-related activities in the Sámi Homeland without approval from a reindeer herding cooperative. The natural resource plan also states that Metsähallitus will not promote wind farm projects in the region during the planning period. All plans related to land use will be discussed with the Sámi Parliament and the Skolt Sámi Siida Administration. If necessary, Metsähallitus will arrange hearings in accordance with section 9 of the Act on the Sámi Parliament, section 53 of the Reindeer Husbandry Act and section 56 of the Skolt Act.
Metsähallitus aims to strengthen its own personnel’s knowledge and understanding of Sámi culture and the rights of the Sámi people. Trainings have been organised for this purpose. Personnel working in the Sámi Homeland or on matters related to the Sámi are particularly encouraged to study the Sámi languages. During recruitment processes, knowledge of Sámi languages and culture are considered advantages, in accordance with job descriptions. If necessary, positive special treatment can also be used to ensure effective equality during recruitment processes.
Further information: Director General of Metsähallitus, Juha Niemelä
