4
Where did the Sea Sami go?
For the Sea Sami, fishing and hunting at sea was crucial. In addition, they normally had a little farm with some livestock. In the old days, the Sea Sami moved between different places of residence throughout the year. Most of them lived along the fiords, and had more frequent contact with Norwegians than the reindeer herders. In the 20th century, the coastal and fiord population was concentrated by good harbours, where fish buyers and public services were also established. Gradually, the material features that distinguished the Sami and Norwegian fishing population, disappeared. Norwegianization policies led to many Sea Sami losing their mother tongue.
