Sámi ‘Trail of tears’ walking trail

Imagining a walking trail for reconciliation and healing of a cultural trauma

When Norway became independent in 1905 and closed the border to Sweden, the Swedish state decided to force hundreds of Sámi families to move from the very north of Sweden to a location further south. The forced relocation of Sami families is a relatively unknown chapter of Swedish history that needs to be recognized to a higher degree.

This project aims to imagine how a touristic walking trail could be a manifestation that offers reconciliation and at the same time create opportunities for marginalized societal groups to narrate their stories, histories and cultures. A crucial part is to contemplate ethical issues in relation to postcolonial issues. The project will study existing tourism development projects in Australia, to see how others have handled the ethical issues mentioned above.

PARTICIPANTS FROM KARLSTAD UNIVERSITY

Richard Ek (PI)
Stuart Reid

PARTNER

Åsa Andersson
Janne Sirniö

FUNDING

The Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Research & Charity, ref. nr. 20220093

DURATION

2023–2024