Oslo's mayor wants bilingual road signs displaying the city's official Sámi names. Anne Lindboe says this will showcase the capital's diversity and support reconciliation.
The Norwegian Ministry of Local Government approved three official Sámi names for Oslo municipality in late August. Now the city council is requesting road signs featuring these indigenous names at municipal borders.
"The municipal sign is one of the first things people see when entering the city," Lindboe stated. "It's important to show Oslo has both Norwegian and Sámi names."
The Sámi are Scandinavia's indigenous people with their own languages and culture. Their historical lands span northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia's Kola Peninsula.
Kristine Ballari, director of the Sámi House in Oslo, welcomes the move. "Finally. We've been looking forward to this," she said. "A Sámi sign represents both inclusion and visibility."
Ballari explained that bilingual signage matters more than people might realize. "It shows Sámi language and culture belong here too, right in the capital."
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration handles municipal border signage. Department director Arne Meland confirmed they will process the city's request when received.
Oslo must still decide which of the three Sámi names to use. The Southern Sámi name "Osloven tjïelte" is one option under consideration.
Some Norwegian municipalities already display both Norwegian and Sámi names. Harstad shows "Hársttáid suohkan" alongside its Norwegian name.
When asked about potential confusion, Mayor Lindboe responded confidently. "Other places in Norway have names in both Sámi and Norwegian. I haven't heard stories of people getting lost because of it."
The push for Sámi naming gained momentum after youth organization Noereh began using "Oslove" in 2014. This represents the Southern Sámi version of Oslo's name.
This move represents concrete action following years of symbolic gestures. The city previously purchased Sámi flags for all schools and unanimously approved using "Oslove" as the Sámi name for Oslo.