Unna Tjerusj was one of four Sami villages along with Ran, Sirges and Baste that sued the state at the end of May.
They believe that they have the exclusive right to allow small game hunting and fishing above the cultivation limit with reference to the so-called Girjasdom.
The right to mountain hunting
The state disputes lawsuits from Sami villages – wants time for an investigation
The lawyer on why the Sami villages are suing the state: “Patience has run out”
On Monday, the state chose to contest all lawsuits. They do, however, want time for further investigations into the claims of ancient times.
Therefore, the state has given the assignment to a research group at Luleå University of Technology, LTU, and is therefore requesting a delay with the final opinion for four months.
– I didn’t think they would waste money and time on this when the situation is very clear from our side. So it was unexpected, says Helena Omma, chairman of Unna Tjerusj Sami village.
“An investigation has already been carried out”
She believes that a new investigation is not needed.
– According to us, there has already been an investigation into the land use in connection with Girjas Cathedral. It shows exactly what the land use looks like. So I don’t know what else they expect to find.
The Sami village will comment on the fact that the state has requested more time.
– According to our lawyers, four months is a very long time to supplement one’s objection.
In the past, Talma Sami village has also sued the state, and here too they have taken LTU to help. Talma has requested a delay with its opinion, but the district court has not yet processed the application.