"Stolen" (2021) upends some of those ideas. I had seen the movie and more recently read the book (that always deepens understanding). The area is more properly labelled "Sapmi" and includes parts of Russia. "Laplanders" is considered a slur and they prefer to be called Sami.
The term "indigenous" is sometimes applied. Definitions vary, but one perspective is those who identified as such, feeling they are different in culture and too often suffer discrimination. As an outsider I believe the Sami qualify as indigenous. Outsiders view the indigenous as primitive and strange. We miss understanding their culture that would not only help us to better communicate with them, but also how we might benefit.
Their status has been elevated by contact and intermixing, but the underlying dynamic is caste as they are seen as inferior beings. See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/02/caste-origins-of-our-discontents.html
Reindeer herding is integral to their culture. At the beginning a Sami nine year old, Elsa witnessed a familiar Swedish man kill her reindeer and threaten her. She does report the death, but refrains from identifying the man. We follow her as she ages. The local Sami feel a need to be on guard against outsiders stealing or killing their reindeer. They have adapted to modern times by using fencing and snowmobiles are ubiquitous.
They do suffer discrimination in various manners. They were resented for their privileges (only they have the right to kill reindeer). The Swedish police are slow to respond to attacks on Sami or their reindeer. A slur is to be called "Lapp" or worse "Lapp whore". Some Sami work in factories, but are mocked for their reindeer connections. Sami clothing is mocked. Elsa's mother is Swedish and is frowned upon by some Sami as "rivgu".
Elsa and her family clash with Robert Isaksson, a belligerent Swede who hurt others, but never seems to be punished for it. There is one sympathetic policeman who wrestles with his sense of fairness and his ambition.
We learn about a Norwegian organization, SANKS (The Sami Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Mental Health and Substance Abuse) that uses psychology and understanding of the Sami culture to help with mental health. Elsa's brother seeks help from them.
The climax involves some moral choices and guilt feelings. An interesting read to help understand how minorities try to fit in while maintaining their uniqueness.
After the story has been told Ann-Helen offers some suggestions for discussion.
Note the different spellings: Sami and Saami.
