Evelina Solsten Elected to Sametinget with Focus on Sámi Issues

Evelina Solsten, a 23-year-old from the Guovssonáisti party, has made history as the youngest member elected to Sametinget, Sweden's Sami parliament, in the recent elections held on June 1, 2025. "It’s a great honor, and I’m thrilled to represent my community in this role," stated Solsten, emphasizing her commitment to addressing various crucial issues affecting the Sámi people including mental health, language education, and reindeer husbandry.

In her new position, Solsten has articulated ambitious policy goals, particularly focusing on the establishment of a national competence center for mental health and addiction services tailored specifically for the Sámi population. She referred to the need for such services, stating, "It’s something I’m willing to fight for and something I want as quickly as possible," underscoring the urgency she feels regarding mental health support within her community.

Solsten also has personal connections to the challenges of accessing Sámi language education, a problem she intends to address by advocating for improved educational resources and accessibility. "I want the language to be obvious for those who want to learn it," she noted, highlighting her desire to facilitate a broader embrace of Sámi language and culture among younger generations.

In addition to these priorities, Solsten's election signals a fresh perspective among the leadership of the Sametinget, especially as she leverages her strong social media presence to engage and mobilize support for her initiatives. Her election is not only a testament to her individual qualifications and ambition but also serves as a significant step for indigenous representation in Sweden's political landscape.