Gender and Indigeneity as Generative Differentiations: Reflections on Reconciliation, Violence and Storytelling in Sápmi

This article attempts to expand possibilities for analysing and responding to the phenomenon of violence in Sámi communities in the light of the stated ambition of the Sámi Parliament to establish a reconciliation commission. The hope is that violent stories of the past retold offer possibility for reconciliation in the present. Endorsing this political ambition, we propose that many stories do indeed need to be told as well as listened to by a Norwegian public, for reconciliation to happen. In addition, we argue that what becomes crucial, is recognition both of Sámi storytelling practices and what gender is. Taken together they need to serve as organizing device.