Traditional Knowledge Network 2026 -

OKM005:00/2026 Development

The cross-administrative traditional knowledge network promotes dialogue on issues related to traditional Sámi knowledge and its protection. The network includes representatives from the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Employment and the economy, Ministry of Justice, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister's Office), Sámi Parliament, Finnish Patent and registration Office, national Board of Antiquities, Arts and Culture Agency), and Piia Nuorgam, Siida, Sogsakk, University of Helsinki, Finnish broadcasting company,

Basic information In progress

Project number OKM005:00/2026

Case numbers VN/5241/2026

Set by Ministry of Education and Culture

Term/schedule 11.2.2026 –

Date of appointment 4.2.2026

Project status

Goals and results

The aim is to intensify cooperation within central government and between the authorities related to the protection of traditional Sámi knowledge, including cross-border cooperation. This requires cooperation with the other Nordic countries and also with the Arctic countries. In 2026, consideration has begun on making the network more formal. In the first phase, the network was recorded in VAHVA and the Gateway to information on Government projects was established.

Starting points

Dialogue and competence in traditional knowledge have improved over the past few years, but cooperation is still needed. The network consists of 50 public officials and experts. The need for cooperation is emphasised, for example, in the implementation of the measures included in the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concerning the Sámi people, in the possible implementation of the Nordic Sámi Convention, and in international negotiations, such as the World intellectual property Organization WIPO.

Developing and statute drafting in the Government

The ministries implement the Government Programme, draft acts and other statutes, and promote reforms through different kinds of projects, working groups and bodies. Information on all this is available on the Government website.

All ministries' projects are available on the Government website valtioneuvosto.fi/en/projects