Medskapandets konst?

Umeå is appointed the European capital of culture in 2014, a position that was gained partly through putting forward Sami culture and northern Sweden as unique components of Europe. The year offers a variety of possibilities for Sami actors and Sami society to make visible Sami culture, traditions and society. However, it also implies the risk of being used by others in the marketing of a city and of the northern region of Sweden. In this article, the challenge of representation is addressed through the theoretical concept of strategic essentialism. The text identifies problems related to the lack of genuine Sami participation and influence in the process of Umeå2014 and, in the long run, in other societal contexts.