If ever there was a system failure among municipalities in Sweden, Jokkmokk should be near the top of the list. For anyone thinking of moving or dealing with Jokkmokk, be it for personal or business reasons, read these articles in this new category. There are always two sides of a topic and everyone with an ambition of moving to Jokkmokk should consider the unofficial side, the information that’s not given, of this municipality going nowhere.
Many people, both domestic and international, look to Jokkmokk as a center for Saamisk culture where this indigenous people live and work and have been in the area for thousands of years. They are, so to say, the original citizens of Jokkmokk. The work in keeping their traditions and roots are difficult as they fight against natural dimensions in reindeer breeding, financial challenges and almost every day tones of racism and jealousy with their Swedish neighbors.
It is important to note that not all Jokkmokk citizens have this attitude with the local Saami. But there are influential groups that quietly put a wrench into the works for Saami recognition and respect. (I know a jealous few that actively use their time to find loopholes in hunting and fishing laws, favorable to the Saami culture, in order for they themselves to receive equal rights.)
Most recently, due to a proposal from Karin Vanner (Saami politician) and Anna Hövenmark (chief municipal consular) suggesting that Jokkmokk symbolically recognizes the Saami in accordance to ILO 169, this proposal was defeated. The unofficial reason, darkly hidden to the public, is a hopeful establishment of an iron mine that could give considerable hardship to local Saami tribes and their way of life.
As one politician explained after the defeat, “We want to profile Jokkmokk as a municipality with a Saamish element. We don’t only want Jokkmokk to have a Saamish trademark.” What a slap in the face for these Jokkmokk citizens! It’s worthy to note that only 17% of Jokkmokk has a higher or university education. Apparently, this politician struggled through secondary level.
Surprisingly, Jokkmokk is dependent on it’s Saami citizens, comprising of 25% of the community, through an impressive number of events throughout the year…including the famed Winter Market. And capitalize on their Saami citizens is something Jokkmokk will do without hesitation…even using the Saami culture as a trademark:
Important: If Jokkmokk negatively values 25% of its taxpaying citizens as in this case, How will they value and regard other taxpaying citizens who don’t fit the mold?
So, if you value indigenous peoples, feel that the Saami of Jokkmokk are unique and their culture and traditions should be recognized…
DON’T MOVE TO JOKKMOKK
Boycott the place




























































