Abstract
Power-sharing systems of and for indigenous peoples cannot be discussed without tackling their rights to self-determination, land and autonomy – the former two now broadly considered as prerequisites for the exercise of their other rights. Their right to autonomy is less guaranteed at international level, but a number of States have recognized and established forms of (territorially-based) indigenous autonomies or self-governments at domestic level. Furthermore, there are a variety of de facto autonomy arrangements of indigenous peoples living in urban, rural or forest areas.
In this frame, this lecture will first discuss with students the recognition and the concepts of the three above-mentioned indigenous rights. Second, it will present the power sharing system of the so-called “Sami Parliaments” that the three Nordic states (Finland, Norway and Sweden) have established to enhance indigenous Sami peoples’ political participation and to give them a(n) (albeit, limited) possibility to have a say over their matters. Third, it will analyse the colonial structure that permeates such parliaments. Finally, it will discuss the recent establishment of and the preparatory works to create a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in each of these three countries as a way to rebalance the state supremacy.