CHAPTER 21

Chapter 21 is a small performance about a big topic: How Norway's fisheries policy in the latter part of the 20th century forced Sea Sami fishermen out of the profession. In doing so, the foundation of an entire culture was destroyed.

Bernt Bjørn conveys the lyrics, while Ivar Beddari plays self-written songs. Both come from families that were hit hard by the Norwegianization policy. Together they improvise joiks, different each time they are performed.

The text is taken from Chapter 21 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report from 2023 on Maritime Sami fishing and fisheries policy. The report documents how the Norwegianization policy has led to systematic discrimination and marginalization of Sami and national minorities. The report was read in its entirety from the main stage of the Storting in June 2023 and broadcast live on NRK, and is today in NRK's ​​archives. But two chapters were omitted: One was Chapter 21. Once again, the story of the Maritime Sami was pushed aside.

Chapter 21 is a performance that can meet the audience in different spaces and contexts. We have shown the performance with various Sea Sami performing artists and musicians since the fall of 2024. Johan Sara Jr. and Håkon Mathias Vassvik participated in creating a version that was shown at the Scenetekstivalen 2025.