Strengthened focus on indigenous peoples
The International Barents Secretariat has employed Swedish Lars Miguel Utsi as its Indigenous Peoples adviser. One of his main commitments is to encourage good entrepreneurship among indigenous peoples.
Lars Miguel Utsi, International Barents Secretariat
When the 26 year old Swede Lars Miguel Utsi saw the work announcement from the International Barents Secretariat (IBS), it seemed like it was almost written specifically for him. His student years have brought him all over the Barents Region, and a one year stay in Moscow has also given him excellent skills in the Russian language.
Utsi grew up in a Sámi community in the small North-Sweden town of Arjeplog, with a father working as reindeer herder. Utsi soon became active in promoting his culture. Today he has the position as chairman of the Sámi Youth Association in Sweden and has for several years been working actively to set Sámi culture and Sámi challenges on the agenda.
Young entrepreneurs
For the next two years Utsi will continue this work within the Barents Cooperation from his new office in the Norwegian border town of Kirkenes. He thinks the cooperation act as an excellent fundament for strengthening indigenous people’s rights all over the region. Among his first projects is young entrepreneurship for indigenous peoples. A topic which Utsi emphasize as one he is especially committed to.
− It is important that indigenous peoples are able to manage for themselves with a basis in their traditional culture. This may be as hunters, reindeer husbandry or traditional art. The project is aimed at helping indigenous peoples to create self sufficient businesses with a traditional way of life, says Utsi.
Better cooperation
Utsi says that Indigenous peoples in all four Barents countries face much of the same difficulties. The fight for adjustment of regulations and acknowledgment of essential indigenous people’s rights is important for Utsi.With his new position working for the Barents Cooperation, he believes he has the possibility to accomplish a lot in the years to come.
Secretary General Rune Rafaelsen at the Norwegian Barents Secretariat is very pleased with the arrival of an indigenous people’s adviser at IBS.
− This will strengthen the good relations between the Norwegian Barents Secretariat and IBS. Utsi will also have an important role in improving cooperation between indigenous peoples groups all over the region, says Rafaelsen.