Norrbotten Region participates in reconciliation process for Tornedalen, Kvänen and Lantalaiset

The abuses and abuses that Tornedalen, Kvänen and Lantalaiset people were subjected to in the 1900th century have left traces that remain in our time. Now a reconciliation process is beginning that affects those who were put in so-called workhouses to be Swedished. People who were students in the workhouses are welcome to participate in meetings this autumn.

The workhouses in Norrbotten were a kind of boarding school that, among other things, aimed to raise children in a Swedish nationalist spirit. Many who were placed in workhouses during the first half of the 1900th century report that violence, abuse and abuse occurred. Prohibitions against speaking Finnish or Meänkieli were common.

The Norrbotten Region is part of the working group that sheds light on the history of the workhouses and wants to provide redress to the former workhouse students. This is a new and important step recommended in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report from 2023: As if we never existed - exclusion and assimilation of Tornedaling, Kväner and Lantalaiset.

The initiative is run by the Church of Sweden in collaboration with the National Confederation of Swedish Tornedalings. Region Norrbotten, Länsstyrelsen Norrbotten and Met Nuoret are also collaborating within Askel sakinthooon (Steps for Reconciliation). Region Norrbotten contributes through funding of projects and involvement in the working group. It is part of a long-term effort to promote the language and culture of Tornedaling, Kväner and Lantalaise.

– Reconciliation is a natural part of our work for human rights and cultural diversity. We are proud to be part of this journey and will continue to take responsibility and strengthen our commitment. Restoration and reconciliation require both words and actions, says Anders Öberg (S), chairman of the regional board.

Practical information about the meetings

The meetings this autumn will be held during the day. The program will be conducted in both Swedish and Meänkieli. It will include keynote speeches, cultural events, panel discussions and seminars. The Norrbotten Region will be represented at these meetings.

• August 30 – Karesuando
• September 13 – Kihlangi
• September 27 – Tärendö
• October 11 – Karungi

There is no register of workshop students, so the invitation is open and the hope is that many will participate. Further information about time, place and registration will be announced by the Luleå diocese here: www.svenskakyrkan.se/luleastift/askelsovinthoon

FACTS: Workhouses

During the period 1903-1954, there were 21 workhouses in Norrbotten. Most of them were in the Meänkieli-speaking areas. According to research, 5 children lived in workhouses during the more than 500 years the system existed. The workhouses were state-funded and the board included the then bishop of Luleå diocese and the governor of Norrbotten.

The workhouses were for children who were poor or had a long way to school. There they received food and accommodation free of charge, but the children would also learn to do certain chores, follow rules, speak Swedish and absorb Swedish culture. Over time, speaking Meänkieli or Finnish in the workhouses became completely forbidden. The children were separated from their families and usually only went home for the holidays.

Although there were also advantages to the workhouses, they were part of the systematic assimilation policy that was being pursued in Sweden. In many cases, children made a bad living from their time in the workhouses.

Source: Luleå Diocese, arbetstugor.se.