Saturday, 13 June, the Sámi Reindeer Herders Association of Norway (NBR/NRL) elected a new leader for the organization. Ole Anders Turi from Kautokeino Flyttsamelag takes over the baton from Inge Even Danielsen. NRL has held a national meeting in Namsos, with a leadership election.

The election committee had nominated two leadership candidates; Inge Even Danielsen, from Åarjel-dajven Båatsoesaemieh, who has been leader since 2022, and Ole Anders Turi from Guovdageainnu johttisápmelaččaid searvi. Ole Anders Turi won with 46 votes to 43 votes.

Turi is a 39-year-old man from the Ivgoláhku/Lakselvdalen/Lyngsdalen district. He is a political scientist by education. In his acceptance speech to the national meeting, he expressed that he was looking forward to taking on the leadership position:

– I will be a leader for the entire reindeer herding Sámi area in Norway, he says.

Photo: Berit Marie Lise Eira/NBR, Source: NRL/NBR

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This appointment comes at an important time for Sámi reindeer husbandry and for Indigenous peoples across the Arctic. On behalf of the World Reindeer Herders and the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry, we extend our warmest congratulations to Ole Anders Turi.