Från en husbonde till en annan : En komparativ tematisk analys av samisk indigenitet, strategisk essentialism och kön/sexualitet i Ann-Helén Laestadius Stöld (2021) och Moa Backe Åstots Himlabrand (2021)

• Main Author: Lahen-Kempas, Sasha
• Format: Bachelor Thesis
• Language: Swedish
• Published: Södertörns högskola, Litteraturvetenskap 2022
• Subjects: Ann-Helén Laestadius; Moa Backe Åstot; Sámi literature; Sámi identity; Sáminess; indigenous people; decoloniality; indigeneity; strategic essentialism; samisk litteratur; samisk identitet; samiskhet; urfolk; avkolonialitet; indigenitet; strategisk essentialism; Humanities and the Arts; Humaniora och konst; General Literature Studies; Litteraturvetenskap; Sámi; samisk
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-50405

The following thesis examines the process of identity making in the novels Stolen (2021) by Ann-Helén Laestadius and Polar Fire (2021) by Moa Backe Åstot. By a comparative thematic analysis of the texts, and through concepts from postcolonial and decolonial theory, the thesis investigates the challenges for two Sámi youths in a contemporary Sápmi setting as they try to renew the image of Saminess. The analysis explores how aspects such as indigeneity, strategic essentialism, gender and sexuality influence the young characters Elsa and Ánte in their attempts to become independent reindeer herders. Elsa and Ánte are constantly reminded of the history and traditions of the Sámi people, which is filled with both pride and shame. Indeed, the thesis also takes into account the history of the Swedish church and the Swedish government's involvement in Sámi societies, such as the Sámi boarding schools that resulted in family separations and loss of language, and reindeer herding regulations that still affect the Sámi community today. The analysis concludes that history, government policies and strict interpretations of Sámi traditions are interwoven with contemporary Sámi culture, and thus affects the young protagonists as they try to navigate between the inherited collective struggle of their ancestors and their individual needs when it comes to shaping their own Sámi identity.