Norwegian Agriculture Agency

In this chapter, we investigate how a regional political and administrative co-management reform in Norway, established to arrange for dialogue, cooperation and interaction between the indigenous Sami and the state was imprinted by conflict and resistance from a large part of the local population. The Finnmark Estate (FeFo) was established in 2006 in which implementation of indigenous rights in the management of land and natural resources are one of the core characteristics. The institution operates in an area where the population is ethnically mixed and where the indigenous people are a minority. Drawing on a governance perspective which recognizes the multitude of stakeholders, concerns and interests, this chapter highlights the complex interplay between legally adopted indigenous rights, which are formalized in the regional governing system, and the informal norms and barriers for change institutionalized in the surrounding society. We look into the public’s attitude towards the new regional governance body that shall secure indigenous rights along with other obligations. Has the opinion changed its positions since 2006, when there was a loud opposition against the establishment of FeFo? And more importantly, under what conditions could a co-management structure which includes regional government and indigenous representatives gain public legitimacy? The chapter builds on document studies and a unique survey which explores the population’s attitude toward the Finnmark Estate.