Much of the literature on Indigenous representation concerns Indigenous organizations or representative bodies. IMPART, on the other hand, studies how Indigenous people attempt to influence policy through the political parties of the majority peoples of their states: How are the Sámi included - or not included - in the statewide political parties of Norway and Sweden?
Norway and Sweden are generally held to be two quite similar countries, but in this case we find some rather notable differences. What are they? Why have these countries developed in so different directions when it comes to Sámi inclusion in mainstream political parties? And what can explain differences between parties within the same states? How do the different relationships between parties and Sámi activists in Norway and Sweden, affect the relationship betweeen the states and their Sámi Parliaments?
When IMPART's researchers seek explanations, we will map political structures in contemporary politics through interviews and document studies, we will research the historical development of the relationship between the Sámi and the different parties and states, and we will learn from international research on Indigenous representation and on party politics.
IMPART also looks specifically on how Indigenous inclusion or lack of such relates to different parties' "green shift" policies. Contemporary political debate is characterized by conflict between Indigenous industries and "clean energy" industries. Do parties with strong Indigenous inclusion structures take Indigenous rights and interests more into account ijn their "green shift" policies? Or is Indigenous inclusion symbolic, without measurable effect on this policy field? IMPART studies different parties in the two countries to investigate this.
