Guest
Sofia Jannok's performance at Climate live Sweden 16 Oct 2021. Song: Snölejoninna (Music/lyrics: Sofia Jannok, Andreas Broberger, Hannes Lindgren) Guitar: Kristofer Eriksson. Photo: Climate live Speech in Eng: “Did you know that the last remaining healthy eco-systems all over the world are on land that still are govern by indigenous peoples? In Sweden for instance, where in Sweden do people go to be able to breathe fresh air and drink water directly from the creeks? To the mountain area. Where in Sweden do the Sámi people still have rights to govern land and water? Well, in the mountain area. This is no coincidence. We have been taking care of Sápmi for thousands of years, for it to last for generations ahead. In 50-60 years, the exploiting companies have destroyed the reindeer’s – our protector’s – grazing pastures with 70 percent. 70 percent is gone. Still they keep knocking on our door saying, “we are about to cut the last forest now”. We say no, if you take the last forest we will die. And by “we” I mean all of us. The time is running out in order to turn this crisis around. The most effective way is to stand with the indigenous peoples all over the world. Protect us who are protecting earth – with our lives. Because the elders have taught us that we are nature. We are flesh and blood, an extension of the surroundings. That is why the yoik is echoing here, why the smallest creek carries a name in our tongue. We have learned where to find fresh water, where the reindeer wanders in springtime and autumn time. We have learned that heaven is our roof and the soil is our floor. Why would we ever want to break something that we are made of, break ourselves? We want to remind the world leaders that there are ways to use nature without abusing her. There are ways. If we only get a seat at the table. So, I want to say thanks to Climate live and thanks to all youths, to the youth lead movement for seeing us, really seeing us, and listening to what we are saying. Because we are still here, and we are not going anywhere.“
