ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the study of Indigenous sport and nation-building is a complex phenomenon because Sámi sport is part of Indigenous sport more generally and has its own specific history. As such the chapter presents two overarching approaches. First, in order to prepare a ground for later empirical descriptions and analytical discussion focusing on Sámi sport and the building of the Sápmi nation, the chapter provides various examples from different parts of the world as a basis for comparison. Second, the chapter establishes a local historical ground for the study by providing information into sport and nation-building in Sápmi and in Norway. Taken together, these approaches represent tools for analyzing the trajectory of Sámi sport. This chapter emphasizes the role of sport organizations, including their relationships with public sector organizations, in the context of Indigenous sport and nation-building.
