The Sami have been recognized as an indigenous people in Norway ( 1990 according to ILO convention 169 as described below ) , and therefore , according to international law , the Sami people in Norway are entitled special protection and rights . The legal foundation of the Sami policy is : The constitutional amendment states : " It is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to create conditions enabling the Sami people to preserve and develop its language , culture and way of life . " This provides a legal and political protection of the Sami language , culture and society . In addition the " amendment implies a legal , political and moral obligation for Norwegian authorities to create an environment conducive to the Samis themselves influencing on the development of the Sami community " ( ibid . )
ILO convention 169
Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989
Sámi people