In 2024–2025, the Interreg Aurora financed project Cross-Border Cooperation in Sámi Children and Families Services worked to strengthen and develop social services for Sámi children and families living in the border region between Finland and Norway. The project was carried out under the Interreg Aurora programme in close cooperation between LAPHA and NASAK.
“This pre-study has been an excellent starting point for cooperation between our organisations and across national borders. It has been easy to build a shared understanding and search for suitable solutions to the challenges that have arisen, as both NASAK and LAPHA share similar experiences in working with the Sámi community. Having North Sámi as a common working language has further simplified our collaboration. Together, through continued cooperation, we are confident that we can resolve the issues identified in this project,” says Tuuli Miettunen, Head of the Unit for Sámi Language and Culturally Appropriate Services at LAPHA (in the photo above).
Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Cooperation
The project’s main objective was to create a solid legal and administrative basis for future cross-border collaboration. This included:
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interviews with social workers, child welfare staff, and other professionals on both sides of the border
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identifying key challenges in current cross-border cases
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analysing national legislation and relevant international conventions
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mapping concrete solutions for more flexible and equal services
The work resulted in a Letter of Intent, including a joint strategy outlining how cross-border services for Sámi children and families should be developed in the future. The document was written and signed by both LAPHA and NASAK and now forms the foundation for continued cooperation in a larger, upcoming project.
Why Cross-Border Cooperation Is Essential
The project clearly showed that Sámi families frequently live and interact across national borders. In many cases, a child may have close relatives, support networks, or key service providers in both Finland and Norway. Providing the best possible support therefore requires:
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an understanding of the legal and social service systems in both countries
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shared working methods between authorities
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commitment from management and service providers on both sides of the border
Without coordinated practices, families risk falling between two systems that do not always align.
Contributing to Reduced Inequality
The project contributes directly to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By strengthening Sámi-specific and culturally appropriate services, the project supports more equal access to social services and improves wellbeing among Sámi families in the Arctic region.
Next Steps – A Larger Main Project
LAPHA and NASAK are now preparing an application to Interreg Aurora for a full-scale project. The aim is to:
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put the joint strategy into practice
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develop a handbook to support professionals handling cross-border cases
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further strengthen long-term cooperation between the two countries and Sámi institutions
The handbook will provide clear guidance and practical solutions to the challenges identified during the pre-study.
Where to Find the Results
All results and project information are available openly on:
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LAPHA’s website (Rajat ylittävä yhteistyö saamelaisten lasten ja perheiden palveluissa – Lapin hyvinvointialue)
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NASAK/Buffdir’s website (Rapport om samarbeid på tvers av grenser sosiale tjenester for samiske barn og familier | Bufdir)
Read more about the completed Interreg Aurora project Cross-Border Cooperation in Sámi Children and Families Services here.
