Connecting Past and Present

Marte Spangen invites us to think critically about the possible roles of archaeology in a society characterized by complex problems and conflicts.She raises many important issues that need to be discussed among archaeologists.In my response, I will focus on archaeology and heritage, and debates on land and cultural rights, in Sápmi -which is my main field of study.As an archaeologist working at a university, Uppsala University, I will also focus on the roles and responsibilities of universities.In my view, there is a great need to discuss the ethics and politics of archaeology and heritage management in Sápmi.My response will focus mainly on the situation in present-day Sweden, although it is essential to keep in mind that Sápmi stretches across the current state boundaries.These boundaries are basically colonial constructions, but they have had and still have a large impact on notions of history, identity and belonging in Sápmi.They are also of great importance for heritage management, as the legislative frameworks differ in the different countries.Archaeology in Sápmi has often been considered as a more controversial and political activity than archaeology in the southern parts of Sweden,