The results show that a total of 89 suicides occurred in the Sami cohort. There was a significant increase of suicide mortality among young Sami aged 15-24 for both females and males.
Suicidal behaviour among indigenous people is most commonly explained by cultural factors such as the breakdown of traditional cultured structures and acculturation as a consequence of colonization and modernization.
The process of forced acculturation has caused acculturative stress, depression, suicide, and alcohol abuse among the Sami.
During the last three decades, a process of integration and increased ethnic revival has gradually replaced a history of forced assimilation and colonization. The outcome of the acculturation and the ethnic revitalization processes has varied in different regions inhabited by the Sami.
Coastal Communities: The assimilation has the greatest impact on the coastal communities where the Sami became a minority. Many Sami lost their identity and their language.
Highland communities: The majority of the Sami are concentrated in the Highland communities. As a result, they have retained their language and traditions. Several Sami institutions are resided here such as the Sami parliament, Sami research centres, and broadcasting. Education in the Sami language is offered in school and college.
Reflection: The study shows the socio-psychological impact of acculturation in the Sami community. Suicide mortality among the Sami has increased because of their loss of identity and traditional structures. However, assimilation has the greatest impact on the coastal communities, where Samis are few.
Bibliography:
Silviken, A. T. Haldorsen, S. Kvernmo. “Suicide among Indigenous Sami in Artic Norway: 1970-1998.” European Journal of Epidemiology 9 (2006): 707-713.
