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{{About|the contemporary ethnic group in Norway|ancient Kvens|Kvenland}}
{{About|the contemporary ethnic group in Norway|ancient Kvens|Kvenland}}
{{short description|Balto-Finnic ethnic minority in Norway}}
{{short description|Balto-Finnic ethnic group}}
{{Original research|date=April 2014}}
{{Original research|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox ethnic group|
{{Infobox ethnic group|
| native_name = {{native name|fkv|kveeni / kvääni}}<br />{{native name|no|kvener / kvenar}}<br />{{native name|se|kveanat}}
| native_name = {{native name|fkv|kveeni / kvääni}}<br />{{native name|no|kvener / kvenar}}<br />{{native name|se|kveanat}}
| group = Kven
| group = Kvens
| flag = Flag of the Kven people.svg
| flag = Flag of the Kven people.svg
| flag_caption = [[Kven flag|Official flag]] (since 2017)<ref>[https://www.nrk.no/sapmi/endelig-et-felles-flagg-for-kvenene-1.13521954] "Endelig et felles flagg for kvenene" {{in lang|nb}}</ref>
| flag_caption = [[Kven flag|Official flag]] (since 2017)<ref>[https://www.nrk.no/sapmi/endelig-et-felles-flagg-for-kvenene-1.13521954] "Endelig et felles flagg for kvenene" {{in lang|nb}}</ref>
| pop = '''10,000–15,000''' <br>0.2% of the Norwegian population
| pop = '''10,000–15,000''' <br />0.2% of the Norwegian population
| popplace = {{flag|Norway}} ([[Northern Norway]], particularly [[Finnmark]], [[Troms]], and [[Troms og Finnmark]])
| popplace = {{flag|Norway}} ([[Northern Norway]], particularly [[Finnmark]] and [[Troms]])
| rels = [[Lutheranism]], including [[Laestadianism]]
| rels = [[Lutheranism]], including [[Laestadianism]]
| langs = [[Kven language|Kven]], [[Finnish language|Finnish]], [[Sámi languages|Sami]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=fkv |title=Finnish, Kven |work=[[Ethnologue]]}}</ref> [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]]
| langs = [[Kven language|Kven]], [[Sámi languages|Sami]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Finnish, Kven |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=fkv |website=[[Ethnologue]]}}</ref> [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]]
| related_groups =
| related_groups =
| related-c = [[Ethnic Finns|Finns]], [[Tornedalians]], possible [[Sami People|Sami]]
| related-c = [[Ethnic Finns|Finns]], [[Tornedalians]], [[Sami People|Sami]]
}}
}}


'''Kvens''' ({{Lang-fkv|kvääni}}; {{lang-fi|kveeni}}; {{lang-no|kvener}}; {{lang-sv|kväner}}; {{lang-se|kveanat}}) are a [[Baltic Finnic peoples|Balto-Finnic]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Hickey |first=Raymond |date=2010 |title=The Handbook of Language Contact |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] |page=598 |isbn=9781405175807}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Sulkala |first1=Helena |first2=Harri |last2=Mantila |date=2010 |title=Planning a New Standard Language: Finnic Minority Languages Meet the New Millennium, Issue 1 |publisher=[[Finnish Literature Society]] |isbn=9789522222275}}</ref> ethnic minority in Norway. They are descended from [[Finnish people|Finnish]] peasants and fishermen who emigrated from the northern parts of Finland and Sweden to [[Northern Norway]] in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1996, Kvens were granted minority status in Norway, and in 2005 the Kven language was recognized as a minority language in Norway.
'''Kvens''' ({{Langx|fkv|kvääni}}; {{langx|fi|kveeni}}; {{langx|no|kvener}}; {{langx|sv|kväner}}; {{langx|se|kveanat}}) are a [[Baltic Finnic peoples|Balto-Finnic]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hickey |first=Raymond |title=The Handbook of Language Contact |date=2010 |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] |isbn=9781405175807 |page=598}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Sulkala |first1=Helena |title=Planning a New Standard Language: Finnic Minority Languages Meet the New Millennium, Issue 1 |last2=Mantila |first2=Harri |date=2010 |publisher=[[Finnish Literature Society]] |isbn=9789522222275}}</ref> [[Ethnicity|ethnic group]] [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]] to the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and parts of Russia.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.udir.no/laring-og-trivsel/nasjonale-minoriteter/kvenernorskfinner/#hvem-er-kvenenenorskfinnene | title=Kvener/Norskfinner }}</ref> In 1996, Kvens were granted minority status in Norway, and in 2005 the [[Kven language]] was recognized as a minority language in Norway.


== Name ==
== Name ==
{{Main|Etymology of Kven}}
{{Main|Etymology of Kven}}
The [[Origin of the name Kven|origin of the term Kven]] is disputed. There is no evidence that modern Kvens are descendants of the Kvens mentioned in a few ancient Norwegian and Icelandic sources. As a result of Norway signing the [[Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities]] in 1999, the term Kven became for the first time an official name, the name of Finnish descendants with a long history in Norway who view themselves as a member of that particular ethnic minority group of Finnish descent.


There is a theory among some academic groups that due to the discrimination and suppression by the Norwegian authorities the term Kven became derogatory in the late 19th century. Therefore, many Kvens preferred to be called 'kainulaiset'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kvenskinstitutt.no/kvener/kainulaiset-eli-kvaanit/|title = Kainulaiset eli kväänit – Kainun Institutti – Kvensk Institutt}}</ref><ref>Kenneth Hyltenstam & Tommaso Maria Milani: ''[http://odin.dep.no/kkd/norsk/dok/andre_dok/rapporter/043041-220005/dok-bn.html Kvenskans status: Rapport för Kommunal- og regionaldepartement och Kultur- og kirkedepartement]''. 2003</ref> But with the revitalization of the Kven culture in the 1970s, Kvens themselves started using the term. However, even in the 1990s there was a debate whether the Norwegian terms {{lang|no|finne}}, {{lang|no|finsk}}, or {{lang|no|finskætted}} (respectively a Finnish person, Finnish, and of Finnish origin) should be used instead. However, today the term Kven is accepted and used, for example, in the name of the Kven organization in Norway (Norske Kveners Forbund).
There is a theory among some academic groups that due to the discrimination and suppression by the Norwegian authorities the term ''Kven'' became derogatory in the late 19th century. Therefore, many Kvens preferred to be called ''kainulaiset''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kainulaiset eli kväänit – Kainun Institutti – Kvensk Institutt |url=http://www.kvenskinstitutt.no/kvener/kainulaiset-eli-kvaanit/}}</ref><ref>Kenneth Hyltenstam & Tommaso Maria Milani: ''[http://odin.dep.no/kkd/norsk/dok/andre_dok/rapporter/043041-220005/dok-bn.html Kvenskans status: Rapport för Kommunal- og regionaldepartement och Kultur- og kirkedepartement]''. 2003</ref> But with the revitalization of the Kven culture in the 1970s, Kvens themselves started using the term. However, even in the 1990s there was a debate whether the Norwegian terms {{lang|no|finne}}, {{lang|no|finsk}}, or {{lang|no|finskætted}} (respectively a Finnish person, Finnish, and of Finnish origin) should be used instead. However, today the term ''Kven'' is accepted and used, for example, in the name of the Kven organization in Norway, ''Norske Kveners Forbund''.


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
The Kvens were registered as a separate group in the Norwegian censuses in the period 1845 to 1930. From the 18th century the Kvens started to comprise a significant part of the population in Northern Norway. In 1845 13.3% of the population in Finnmark, and 3.2% in Troms, considered themselves as Kvens. In 1854 the numbers increased to respectively, 19.9% and 7.0%. The peak was in 1875, with respectively 24.2% and 7.7%. The ratios were reduced to respectively 20.2% and 3.7%, in 1890, and 13.8% and 2.0% in 1900 (all numbers from).<ref name=autogenerated1>Niemi, E. (1978), Den finske kolonisasjon av Nordkalotten – forløp og årsaker. Ottar, 103. 49-70.</ref> In the 1930 census there were 8,215 registered Kvens in Troms and Finnmark. In 1950, 1,439 people reported that they used the Finnish language, in Troms (58 people) and Finnmark (1,381 people).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ub.uit.no/arkiv/maanedens/1999/199906e.htm |title=Universitetsbiblioteket i Tromsø - juni 1999 |website=www.ub.uit.no |access-date=2006-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223060722/http://www.ub.uit.no/arkiv/maanedens/1999/199906e.htm |archive-date=2017-02-23 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Kvens were registered as a separate group in the Norwegian censuses in the period 1845 to 1930. From the 18th century the Kvens started to comprise a significant part of the population in Northern Norway. In 1845 13.3% of the population in Finnmark, and 3.2% in Troms, considered themselves as Kvens. In 1854 the numbers increased to respectively, 19.9% and 7.0%. The peak was in 1875, with respectively 24.2% and 7.7%. The ratios were reduced to respectively 20.2% and 3.7%, in 1890, and 13.8% and 2.0% in 1900 (all numbers from).<ref name="autogenerated1">Niemi, E. (1978), Den finske kolonisasjon av Nordkalotten – forløp og årsaker. Ottar, 103. 49-70.</ref> In the 1930 census there were 8,215 registered Kvens in Troms and Finnmark. In 1950, 1,439 people reported that they used the Finnish language, in Troms (58 people) and Finnmark (1,381 people).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Universitetsbiblioteket i Tromsø - juni 1999 |url=http://www.ub.uit.no/arkiv/maanedens/1999/199906e.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223060722/http://www.ub.uit.no/arkiv/maanedens/1999/199906e.htm |archive-date=2017-02-23 |access-date=2006-11-08 |website=www.ub.uit.no}}</ref>


In 2001, the number of Kvens was estimated to be about 10,000 to 15,000 in a parliamentary inquiry on national minorities in Norway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://odin.dep.no/krd/norsk/dok/regpubl/stmeld/016001-040003/hov005-bn.html |title=St.meld. nr. 15 (2000-2001) |author=Kommunal- og regionaldepartementet |date=8 December 2000 |website=Regjeringa.no}}</ref> However, estimating the number of Kvens is difficult since there is no official definition of a Kven. Therefore, other studies have estimated the number of Kvens to be about 50,000–60,000, based on the criteria that at least one grandparent spoke [[Kven language|Kven]].<ref>Saressalo, L. (1996), Kveenit. Tutkimus erään pohjoisnorjalaisen vähemmistön identiteetistä. Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seuran Toimituksia, 638. Helsinki.</ref> But many of these may consider themselves to be Norwegian or Sami or a combination.
In 2001, the number of Kvens was estimated to be about 10,000 to 15,000 in a parliamentary inquiry on national minorities in Norway.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kommunal- og regionaldepartementet |date=8 December 2000 |title=St.meld. nr. 15 (2000-2001) |url=http://odin.dep.no/krd/norsk/dok/regpubl/stmeld/016001-040003/hov005-bn.html |website=Regjeringa.no}}</ref> However, estimating the number of Kvens is difficult since there is no official definition of a Kven. Therefore, other studies have estimated the number of Kvens to be about 50,000–60,000, based on the criteria that at least one grandparent spoke [[Kven language|Kven]].<ref>Saressalo, L. (1996), Kveenit. Tutkimus erään pohjoisnorjalaisen vähemmistön identiteetistä. Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seuran Toimituksia, 638. Helsinki.</ref> But many of these may consider themselves to be Norwegian or Sami or a combination.


== History ==
== History ==
Danish/Norwegian tax records from the 16th century already list some Kvens living in [[North Norway]].<ref>Niemi, E. (1994), Kvenene og staten – et historisk riss. I: Torekoven Strøm (ed.), Report from the seminar ”Kvenene – en glemt minoritet?” Monday 14.11.94 at the University of Tromsø/ Tromsø Museum.</ref> Also, the famous [[Carta marina|map of Scandinavia]] by [[Olaus Magnus]] from 1539 shows a possible Kven settlement roughly in between today's [[Tromsø]] and [[Lofoten]] named "Berkara Qvenar".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bell.lib.umn.edu/map/OLAUS/SEC/bsect.html|title=James Ford Bell Library · University of Minnesota Libraries|website=www.bell.lib.umn.edu|access-date=2006-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704172211/http://bell.lib.umn.edu/map/OLAUS/SEC/bsect.html|archive-date=2010-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kvens of this time are often connected to the [[birkarl]] organization in northern Sweden.<ref>Vahtola, Jouko. ''Tornionlaakson historia I''. Birkarlit, 'pirkkalaiset'. Malungs boktryckeri AB. Malung, Sweden. 1991.</ref> In some early documents Kvens are also grouped together with the [[Sami people]], who are the indigenous people of Central and Northern Norway.<ref>Peter Schnitler. {{lang|no|Grenseeksaminasjonsprotokoller 1742-1745}}. Volume I-III. Editors J. Qvigstad, K. B. Wiklund, Lars Ivar Hansen and Tom Schmidt. 1929.</ref>
Danish/Norwegian tax records from the 16th century already list some Kvens living in [[North Norway]].<ref>Niemi, E. (1994), Kvenene og staten – et historisk riss. I: Torekoven Strøm (ed.), Report from the seminar ”Kvenene – en glemt minoritet?” Monday 14.11.94 at the University of Tromsø/ Tromsø Museum.</ref> Also, the famous [[Carta marina|map of Scandinavia]] by [[Olaus Magnus]] from 1539 shows a possible Kven settlement roughly in between today's [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]] and [[Lofoten]] named "Berkara Qvenar".<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Ford Bell Library · University of Minnesota Libraries |url=http://www.bell.lib.umn.edu/map/OLAUS/SEC/bsect.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704172211/http://bell.lib.umn.edu/map/OLAUS/SEC/bsect.html |archive-date=2010-07-04 |access-date=2006-11-08 |website=www.bell.lib.umn.edu}}</ref> Kvens of this time are often connected to the [[birkarl]] organization in northern Sweden.<ref>Vahtola, Jouko. ''Tornionlaakson historia I''. Birkarlit, 'pirkkalaiset'. Malungs boktryckeri AB. Malung, Sweden. 1991.</ref> In some early documents Kvens are also grouped together with the [[Sami people]], who are the indigenous people of Central and Northern Norway.<ref>Peter Schnitler. {{lang|no|Grenseeksaminasjonsprotokoller 1742-1745}}. Volume I-III. Editors J. Qvigstad, K. B. Wiklund, Lars Ivar Hansen and Tom Schmidt. 1929.</ref>

The main immigration of Kvens to Norway can be divided into two periods.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> The first immigration was from about 1720 to 1820, when Finnish speaking people from the northern Finland and [[Torne River Valley]] moved to river basins and fjord-ends in [[Troms]] and the western parts of [[Finnmark]], to places such as [[Polmak]], [[Karasjok]], [[Porsanger]], [[Alta, Norway|Alta]] and [[Lyngen]].

The second immigration was after 1820 until about 1890 to the coastal areas of eastern Finnmark, motivated by the booming fishing industry in Northern Norway. In addition, it was also easier to get to America from there than from Northern Finland and many moved to Finnmark before continuing over the Atlantic. Migration ended from problems in the fishing industry, population pressure, migration to America and increasing problems for Kven in buying land and getting Norwegian citizenship.


== Language ==
== Language ==
The [[Kven language]] is a [[Finnic language]].
The [[Kven language]] is a [[Finnic language]]. From a linguistic point of view, Kven is a [[mutually intelligible]] [[dialect]] of [[Finnish language|Finnish]], but for political and historical reasons, it received in 2005 status of a legal [[minority language]] in [[Norway]], within the framework of the [[European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages]].


Kven differs from Finnish since the Kven population was in effect isolated from other Finnish-speaking people. The Kven language has come to incorporate many Norwegian loanwords, and Finnish words that are no longer used in Finland are still used. In a 2005 government report, the number of people speaking Kven in Norway was estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,000, depending on the criteria used.
Kven differs from Finnish since the Kven population was in effect isolated from other Finnish-speaking people. The Kven language has come to incorporate many Norwegian loanwords, and Finnish words that are no longer used in Finland are still used. In a 2005 government report, the number of people speaking Kven in Norway was estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,000, depending on the criteria used.
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== Modern recognition ==
== Modern recognition ==
The flag of [[Kvenland]] was hoisted at the [[Kiruna]] City Hall in [[Sweden]] on 16 March 2013, at 11:00, in celebration and honour of the first annual Day of the Kvens. Hereafter, that date is meant to be recognised wider in the Kven communities of the north and by others as well.
The [[Kven flag]] was hoisted at the [[Kiruna]] City Hall in [[Sweden]] on 16 March 2013, at 11:00, in celebration and honour of the first annual Day of the Kvens. Hereafter, that date is meant to be recognised wider in the Kven communities of the north and by others as well.


The date for the occasion was chosen from the 14th century signing of a state treaty between Sweden and Kvenland, known as Tälje Charter ("Tälje stadga" in Swedish). In that treaty, the king of Sweden guaranteed the Kvens ("[[Birkarls]]") trading rights in the north (translation from Latin last printed in 1995, Wallerström, page 48).<ref name="Wallerström, 1995">''Tälje stadga'' (Translation from Latin). Wallerström, 1995. Sweden.</ref>
The date for the occasion was chosen from the signing in 1328 of a state treaty between Sweden and the [[Birkarls]], known as Tälje Charter ("Tälje stadga" in Swedish). In that treaty, the [[Magnus Eriksson|king of Sweden]] guaranteed them their trading rights in the north (translation from Latin last printed in 1995, Wallerström, page 48).<ref name="Wallerström, 1995">''Tälje stadga'' (Translation from Latin). Wallerström, 1995. Sweden.</ref>


In the past, the [[Kven language]] spoken in Norway was considered a dialect of [[Finnish language]], much like the Finnic [[Meänkieli]] language spoken in northern Sweden. Today, both are officially recognised minority languages in the areas where the languages are spoken. The [[Finnish language|Finnish]], [[Meänkieli]] and [[Sami language|Sami]] all are officially recognised minority languages in the Kiruna Municipality in Sweden.
In the past, the [[Kven language]] spoken in Norway was considered a dialect of [[Finnish language|Finnish]], much like the Finnic [[Meänkieli]] language spoken in northern Sweden. Today, both are officially recognised minority languages in the areas where the languages are spoken. [[Finnish language|Finnish]], [[Meänkieli]] and [[Sami language|Sami]] are all officially recognised minority languages in the Kiruna Municipality in Sweden.


== Culture and media ==
== Culture and media ==
=== Ruijan Kaiku ===
=== Ruijan Kaiku ===
{{Main|Ruijan Kaiku}}
{{Main|Ruijan Kaiku}}
'''{{lang|fi|Ruijan Kaiku}}''' is a bi-lingual newspaper ([[Kven language|Kven]]/[[Finnish language|Finnish]] and [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]]) that is published in [[Tromsø]], [[Norway]]. Currently one issue is published each month. The newspaper writes mostly about Kven issues, and about the work of strengthening Finnish language and culture in Norway. In addition the paper has stories about other Finnish organizations in Norway, and about other Finnish minorities in the [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] and surrounding countries. The newspaper's Chief editor is Liisa Koivulehto.
'''{{lang|fi|Ruijan Kaiku}}''' is a bi-lingual newspaper ([[Kven language|Kven]]/[[Finnish language|Finnish]] and [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]]) that is published in [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]], [[Norway]]. Currently one issue is published each month. The newspaper writes mostly about Kven issues, and about the work of strengthening Finnish language and culture in Norway. In addition the paper has stories about other Finnish organizations in Norway, and about other Finnish minorities in the [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] and surrounding countries. The newspaper's Chief editor is Liisa Koivulehto.


=== Baaski festival ===
=== Baaski festival ===
''{{lang|fi|Baaski}}'' is a Kven culture festival held in [[Nordreisa]]. The first festival was in June 2007, but it is intended to be an annual event. The responsible organizers is Nordreisa municipality, and the first festival director was Johanne Gaup.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/baaski.asp |title=Startsiden - Halti kvenkultursenter IKS |website=www.kvenkultursenter.no |access-date=2007-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427055830/http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/baaski.asp |archive-date=2010-04-27 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
''{{lang|fi|Baaski}}'' is a Kven culture festival held in [[Nordreisa Municipality]]. The first festival was in June 2007, but it is intended to be an annual event. The responsible organizers is Nordreisa municipality, and the first festival director was Johanne Gaup.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Startsiden - Halti kvenkultursenter IKS |url=http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/baaski.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427055830/http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/baaski.asp |archive-date=2010-04-27 |access-date=2007-08-13 |website=www.kvenkultursenter.no}}</ref>


=== Kven costume ===
=== Kven costume ===
While the Kven costume (''Kväänipuku'') was only 'designed' in the 1990s and beginning of the 2000s it builds on older Kven fashions and is intended to strengthen Kven identity. Much of it is in a simple white colour, which beyond it's historical use serves as a reminder of the reputed cleanliness of the Kvens.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hauge |first=Arne |date=2019-04-03 |title=Lær mer om kvendrakten: Når detaljene teller |url=https://www.ruijan-kaiku.no/laer-mer-om-kvendrakten-nar-detaljene-teller/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Ruijan Kaiku |language=nb-NO}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kväänipuku – Kvendrakten {{!}} Kvensk.no |url=https://kvensk.no/2021/09/01/kvendrakten/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |language=nb-NO}}</ref> The silver-ware is likewise an important part of Kven clothing and the position of ''kvensølvesmed'' (Norwegian for 'kven silver smith') is an important one.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Anne Mari Rahkonen |date=2019-12-13 |title=Bør den nye kvensølvsmeden være en kven? |url=https://www.nrk.no/kvensk/bor-den-nye-kvensolvsmeden-vaere-en-kven_-1.14820137 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=NRK |language=nb-NO}}</ref>
In the late 1990s a Kven costume was designed. It is not a reconstruction of an old costume, but rather a new design based on pictures and other sources about the clothing and jewelry used by Kvens in the late 19th and early 20th century. The purpose of creating the costume was to unify and strengthen Kven identity. {{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}


=== Kadonu Loru ===
=== Kadonu Loru ===
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=== The Norwegian Kven organization ===
=== The Norwegian Kven organization ===
{{Main|Norwegian Kven Organization}}
{{Main|Norwegian Kven Organization}}
The Norwegian Kven Organization ({{lang|fi|Ruijan Kveeniliitto}} in Kven/Finnish and {{lang|no|Norske Kveners Forbund}} in Norwegian) was established in 1987, and has currently about 700 members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kvener.no/|title=Norske Kveners Forbund|website=Norske Kveners Forbund}}</ref> The organization has local branches in: [[Skibotn]], [[Børselv]], [[Nord-Varanger]], [[Deatnu - Tana|Tana]], [[Lakselv]], [[Alta, Norway|Alta]], northern [[Troms]], [[Tromsø]], and [[Østlandet]].
The Norwegian Kven Organization ({{lang|fi|Ruijan Kveeniliitto}} in Kven/Finnish and {{lang|no|Norske Kveners Forbund}} in Norwegian) was established in 1987, and has currently about 700 members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Norske Kveners Forbund |url=http://www.kvener.no/ |website=Norske Kveners Forbund}}</ref> The organization has local branches in: [[Skibotn]], [[Børselv]], [[Vadsø (town)|Nord-Varanger]], [[Tana bru|Tana]], [[Lakselv]], [[Alta (town)|Alta]], northern [[Troms]], [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]], and [[Østlandet]].


The tasks of the organisation include working for a government report about the history and rights of the Kven population, improving the media coverage of Kven issues, and for the Norwegian government to establish a secretary ({{lang|no|statssekretær}}) for Kven issues. In addition, reading and writing classes at the beginner to advanced level, establishing a Kven kindergarten, and to incorporate the Kven language in all education levels in Norway. Also, to establish a Kven culture fund, road and other signs in Kven, Kven names in official maps, and museums and centers for Kven language and culture.
The tasks of the organisation include working for a government report about the history and rights of the Kven population, improving the media coverage of Kven issues, and for the Norwegian government to establish a secretary ({{lang|no|statssekretær}}) for Kven issues. In addition, reading and writing classes at the beginner to advanced level, establishing a Kven kindergarten, and to incorporate the Kven language in all education levels in Norway. Also, to establish a Kven culture fund, road and other signs in Kven, Kven names in official maps, and museums and centers for Kven language and culture.
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=== The Kven institute ===
=== The Kven institute ===
{{Main|Kainun institutti}}
{{Main|Kainun institutti}}
The Kven institute ({{lang|fi|Kainun institutti}} in Kven/Finnish and {{lang|no|Kvensk institutt}} in Norwegian) is a center for Kven culture and [[Kven language|language]] located in [[Børselv]] in [[Porsanger|Porsangi (Porsanger)]] municipality in [[Norway]].
The Kven institute ({{lang|fi|Kainun institutti}} in Kven/Finnish and {{lang|no|Kvensk institutt}} in Norwegian) is a center for Kven culture and [[Kven language|language]] located in [[Børselv]] in [[Porsanger Municipality|Porsangi Municipality]] (Porsanger) in [[Norway]].


===Kven Language Board===
===Kven Language Board===
The Kven Language Board that was established in April 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sprakrad.no/Aktuelt/Kvensk-sprakrad-er-dannet/ |title=Språkrådet - Kvensk språkråd er dannet |access-date=April 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513062744/http://www.sprakrad.no/Aktuelt/Kvensk-sprakrad-er-dannet/ |archive-date=May 13, 2007 }}</ref> It consists of the leader Irene Andreassen, Terje Aronsen, Prof. Anna Riitta Lindgren, Assoc. Prof. Eira Söderholm, and Pia Lane. The first task is to create a standard for written Kven language.<ref>[[Ságat]] Tuesday, April 19th, 2007.</ref>
The Kven Language Board that was established in April 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Språkrådet - Kvensk språkråd er dannet |url=http://www.sprakrad.no/Aktuelt/Kvensk-sprakrad-er-dannet/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513062744/http://www.sprakrad.no/Aktuelt/Kvensk-sprakrad-er-dannet/ |archive-date=May 13, 2007 |access-date=April 30, 2007}}</ref> It consists of the leader Irene Andreassen, Terje Aronsen, Prof. Anna Riitta Lindgren, Assoc. Prof. Eira Söderholm, and Pia Lane. The first task is to create a standard for written Kven language.<ref>[[Ságat]] Tuesday, April 19th, 2007.</ref>


=== Halti kvenkultursenter ===
=== Halti kvenkultursenter ===
Halti kvenkultursenter is located in [[Nordreisa]] municipality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/default.asp?id=85 |title=Halti Kvenkultursenter<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009151216/http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/default.asp?id=85 |archive-date=2007-10-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Halti kvenkultursenter is located in [[Nordreisa Municipality]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Halti Kvenkultursenter<!-- Bot generated title --> |url=http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/default.asp?id=85 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009151216/http://www.kvenkultursenter.no/default.asp?id=85 |archive-date=2007-10-09 |access-date=2007-08-13}}</ref>


=== Ruija Kven museum ===
=== Ruija Kven museum ===
The Ruija Kven Museum is located in [[Vadsø]].
The Ruija Kven Museum is located in [[Vadsø (town)|Vadsø]].


== Notable people of Kven descent ==
== Notable people of Kven descent ==
Line 109: Line 104:
* [[Forest Finns]]
* [[Forest Finns]]
* [[Kvenland]]
* [[Kvenland]]
* [[Sámi|Sámi people]]
* [[Sámi people]]
* [[Tornedalians]]
* [[Tornedalians]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 122: Line 117:
* [http://www.ub.uit.no/baser/kvensk/ Kven bibliography. Searchable database of news articles, books, maps, etc.]
* [http://www.ub.uit.no/baser/kvensk/ Kven bibliography. Searchable database of news articles, books, maps, etc.]
* [http://odin.dep.no/kkd/norsk/dok/andre_dok/rapporter/043041-220005/dok-bn.html Kenneth Hyltenstam & Tommaso Maria Milani: ''Kvenskans status: Rapport för Kommunal- og regionaldepartement och Kultur- og kirkedepartement''. 2003]. Has a nice introduction to Kven history (Swedish only)
* [http://odin.dep.no/kkd/norsk/dok/andre_dok/rapporter/043041-220005/dok-bn.html Kenneth Hyltenstam & Tommaso Maria Milani: ''Kvenskans status: Rapport för Kommunal- og regionaldepartement och Kultur- og kirkedepartement''. 2003]. Has a nice introduction to Kven history (Swedish only)
* [http://www.dokpro.uio.no/friiskartene/1861/1861oversikt.html Ethographical map of Finnmark in 1861].
* [http://www.dokpro.uio.no/friiskartene/1861/1861oversikt.html Ethnographical map of Finnmark in 1861].
* [http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Finland FTDNA Finland Geographic DNA Project]
* [http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Finland FTDNA Finland Geographic DNA Project]


Latest revision as of 08:11, 3 November 2024

This article is about the contemporary ethnic group in Norway. For ancient Kvens, see Kvenland.
Kvens
kveeni / kvääni (Kven)
kvener / kvenar (Norwegian)
kveanat (Northern Sami)
Official flag (since 2017)[1]
Total population
10,000–15,000
0.2% of the Norwegian population
Regions with significant populations
 Norway (Northern Norway, particularly Finnmark and Troms)
Languages
Kven, Sami,[2] Norwegian
Religion
Lutheranism, including Laestadianism
Related ethnic groups
Finns, Tornedalians, Sami

Kvens (Kven: kvääni; Finnish: kveeni; Norwegian: kvener; Swedish: kväner; Northern Sami: kveanat) are a Balto-Finnic[3][4] ethnic group indigenous to the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and parts of Russia.[5] In 1996, Kvens were granted minority status in Norway, and in 2005 the Kven language was recognized as a minority language in Norway.

Name

[edit]
Main article: Etymology of Kven

There is a theory among some academic groups that due to the discrimination and suppression by the Norwegian authorities the term Kven became derogatory in the late 19th century. Therefore, many Kvens preferred to be called kainulaiset.[6][7] But with the revitalization of the Kven culture in the 1970s, Kvens themselves started using the term. However, even in the 1990s there was a debate whether the Norwegian terms finne, finsk, or finskætted (respectively a Finnish person, Finnish, and of Finnish origin) should be used instead. However, today the term Kven is accepted and used, for example, in the name of the Kven organization in Norway, Norske Kveners Forbund.

Demographics

[edit]

The Kvens were registered as a separate group in the Norwegian censuses in the period 1845 to 1930. From the 18th century the Kvens started to comprise a significant part of the population in Northern Norway. In 1845 13.3% of the population in Finnmark, and 3.2% in Troms, considered themselves as Kvens. In 1854 the numbers increased to respectively, 19.9% and 7.0%. The peak was in 1875, with respectively 24.2% and 7.7%. The ratios were reduced to respectively 20.2% and 3.7%, in 1890, and 13.8% and 2.0% in 1900 (all numbers from).[8] In the 1930 census there were 8,215 registered Kvens in Troms and Finnmark. In 1950, 1,439 people reported that they used the Finnish language, in Troms (58 people) and Finnmark (1,381 people).[9]

In 2001, the number of Kvens was estimated to be about 10,000 to 15,000 in a parliamentary inquiry on national minorities in Norway.[10] However, estimating the number of Kvens is difficult since there is no official definition of a Kven. Therefore, other studies have estimated the number of Kvens to be about 50,000–60,000, based on the criteria that at least one grandparent spoke Kven.[11] But many of these may consider themselves to be Norwegian or Sami or a combination.

History

[edit]

Danish/Norwegian tax records from the 16th century already list some Kvens living in North Norway.[12] Also, the famous map of Scandinavia by Olaus Magnus from 1539 shows a possible Kven settlement roughly in between today's Tromsø and Lofoten named "Berkara Qvenar".[13] Kvens of this time are often connected to the birkarl organization in northern Sweden.[14] In some early documents Kvens are also grouped together with the Sami people, who are the indigenous people of Central and Northern Norway.[15]

Language

[edit]

The Kven language is a Finnic language.

Kven differs from Finnish since the Kven population was in effect isolated from other Finnish-speaking people. The Kven language has come to incorporate many Norwegian loanwords, and Finnish words that are no longer used in Finland are still used. In a 2005 government report, the number of people speaking Kven in Norway was estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,000, depending on the criteria used.

Finnish is the preferred language of instruction among the Kvens. 90% of the kids in the county of Troms and Finnmark that had a right to choose between Finnish and Kven chose Finnish.[16]

Ethnic controversies

[edit]

In the 1990s there was a debate among Kvens whether they should be considered as an ethnic group of their own, or whether they were Finnish Norwegians. As well, during the process of legal recognition of the Kven language, there was a debate as to whether it should be considered an actual language or merely a dialect of Finnish, and whether the Kven language or Kven dialect of Finnish should be taught in schools.

Kven and Sami people share a common history of Norwegianization. However, post-Norwegianization policies have treated them differently. Sami people have been recognized as the indigenous people in Northern Norway. They have their own schools and parliament, and they elect three of the six members for the board of Finnmark Estate (the organization owning about 95% of the land in the county of Finnmark). Some Kvens believe the distribution of rights and public funds has favored the Sami people too much, whereas on the Sami side there are people who think the Norwegian minority politics and public funding should focus mostly on the Sami people.

Lately, the Norwegian Kven Organization has attempted to get the Kvens recognized, similarly to the Sami people, as an indigenous people in Norway. This has made it important for some Kvens to show that their history stretches further back in time than commonly believed. There has been some recent unofficial adoption of the word "Kainu" as the new name for "Kven", in accordance with the hypotheses put forward by Finnish historians Jouko Vahtola and Kyösti Julku. Vahtola has hypothesized that words "Kven" and "Kainu(u)" are interchangeable.

In 2018, The Storting commissioned The Truth and Reconciliation Commission to lay the foundation for recognition of the experiences of the Kven subject to Norwegianization and the subsequent consequences.

Modern recognition

[edit]

The Kven flag was hoisted at the Kiruna City Hall in Sweden on 16 March 2013, at 11:00, in celebration and honour of the first annual Day of the Kvens. Hereafter, that date is meant to be recognised wider in the Kven communities of the north and by others as well.

The date for the occasion was chosen from the signing in 1328 of a state treaty between Sweden and the Birkarls, known as Tälje Charter ("Tälje stadga" in Swedish). In that treaty, the king of Sweden guaranteed them their trading rights in the north (translation from Latin last printed in 1995, Wallerström, page 48).[17]

In the past, the Kven language spoken in Norway was considered a dialect of Finnish, much like the Finnic Meänkieli language spoken in northern Sweden. Today, both are officially recognised minority languages in the areas where the languages are spoken. Finnish, Meänkieli and Sami are all officially recognised minority languages in the Kiruna Municipality in Sweden.

Culture and media

[edit]

Ruijan Kaiku

[edit]
Main article: Ruijan Kaiku

Ruijan Kaiku is a bi-lingual newspaper (Kven/Finnish and Norwegian) that is published in Tromsø, Norway. Currently one issue is published each month. The newspaper writes mostly about Kven issues, and about the work of strengthening Finnish language and culture in Norway. In addition the paper has stories about other Finnish organizations in Norway, and about other Finnish minorities in the Nordic and surrounding countries. The newspaper's Chief editor is Liisa Koivulehto.

Baaski festival

[edit]

Baaski is a Kven culture festival held in Nordreisa Municipality. The first festival was in June 2007, but it is intended to be an annual event. The responsible organizers is Nordreisa municipality, and the first festival director was Johanne Gaup.[18]

Kven costume

[edit]

While the Kven costume (Kväänipuku) was only 'designed' in the 1990s and beginning of the 2000s it builds on older Kven fashions and is intended to strengthen Kven identity. Much of it is in a simple white colour, which beyond it's historical use serves as a reminder of the reputed cleanliness of the Kvens.[19][20] The silver-ware is likewise an important part of Kven clothing and the position of kvensølvesmed (Norwegian for 'kven silver smith') is an important one.[20][21]

Kadonu Loru

[edit]

Kadonu Loru is the only pop music single ever recorded in the Kven language. It is based on an old Kven nursery rhyme about making sausages. The artists are Karine Jacobsen and Kine Johansen respectively from Børselv and Lakselv.[citation needed] The single was published by Iđut.

Organisations and institutions

[edit]

The Norwegian Kven organization

[edit]
Main article: Norwegian Kven Organization

The Norwegian Kven Organization (Ruijan Kveeniliitto in Kven/Finnish and Norske Kveners Forbund in Norwegian) was established in 1987, and has currently about 700 members.[22] The organization has local branches in: Skibotn, Børselv, Nord-Varanger, Tana, Lakselv, Alta, northern Troms, Tromsø, and Østlandet.

The tasks of the organisation include working for a government report about the history and rights of the Kven population, improving the media coverage of Kven issues, and for the Norwegian government to establish a secretary (statssekretær) for Kven issues. In addition, reading and writing classes at the beginner to advanced level, establishing a Kven kindergarten, and to incorporate the Kven language in all education levels in Norway. Also, to establish a Kven culture fund, road and other signs in Kven, Kven names in official maps, and museums and centers for Kven language and culture.

The Kven Finn Association

[edit]

Kven Finn Association or Kveeni Suomi Liitto in Finnish and Kvensk Finsk Riksforbund in Norwegian is an NGO who works for the rights of the Kven and Finn people in Norway. It was founded together with similar organizations in Sweden and Finland in 1999, that jointly uses the name Kvenlandsförbundet (Kveenimaayhistys). Kvenlandsförbundet created the Kvenflagg. The Kven Finn Association as a part of Kvenlandsförbundet is administrating the participation of the Kven people at the Finno-Ugric World Congress.

The organization reports to international bodies on how Norway is living up to various International Law conventions. The organization is very much concerned about the discrimination the Norwegian authorities are directing towards the Kvens/FInns and the Saami. 100:1 in favour of the Saami in economic terms, at least.

Furthermore, the government's bad treatment of Finnish as the de-facto ethnic language for the Kvens/Finns. In this regard, the Kven Finn Association has started a grant for young students in high school to motivate more young people to learn Finnish (Finnish, Kven, or even Meänkieli).

The Kven Finn Association has local chapters all over Norway and is also active regarding reviving the folk music traditions and documenting the history of Finnish speaking people throughout Fennoscandinavia.

The Kven institute

[edit]
Main article: Kainun institutti

The Kven institute (Kainun institutti in Kven/Finnish and Kvensk institutt in Norwegian) is a center for Kven culture and language located in Børselv in Porsangi Municipality (Porsanger) in Norway.

Kven Language Board

[edit]

The Kven Language Board that was established in April 2007.[23] It consists of the leader Irene Andreassen, Terje Aronsen, Prof. Anna Riitta Lindgren, Assoc. Prof. Eira Söderholm, and Pia Lane. The first task is to create a standard for written Kven language.[24]

Halti kvenkultursenter

[edit]

Halti kvenkultursenter is located in Nordreisa Municipality.[25]

Ruija Kven museum

[edit]

The Ruija Kven Museum is located in Vadsø.

Notable people of Kven descent

[edit]
Further information: Category:People of Kven descent

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ [1] "Endelig et felles flagg for kvenene" (in Bokmål)
  2. ^ "Finnish, Kven". Ethnologue.
  3. ^ Hickey, Raymond (2010). The Handbook of Language Contact. John Wiley & Sons. p. 598. ISBN 9781405175807.
  4. ^ Sulkala, Helena; Mantila, Harri (2010). Planning a New Standard Language: Finnic Minority Languages Meet the New Millennium, Issue 1. Finnish Literature Society. ISBN 9789522222275.
  5. ^ "Kvener/Norskfinner".
  6. ^ "Kainulaiset eli kväänit – Kainun Institutti – Kvensk Institutt".
  7. ^ Kenneth Hyltenstam & Tommaso Maria Milani: Kvenskans status: Rapport för Kommunal- og regionaldepartement och Kultur- og kirkedepartement. 2003
  8. ^ Niemi, E. (1978), Den finske kolonisasjon av Nordkalotten – forløp og årsaker. Ottar, 103. 49-70.
  9. ^ "Universitetsbiblioteket i Tromsø - juni 1999". www.ub.uit.no. Archived from the original on 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
  10. ^ Kommunal- og regionaldepartementet (8 December 2000). "St.meld. nr. 15 (2000-2001)". Regjeringa.no.
  11. ^ Saressalo, L. (1996), Kveenit. Tutkimus erään pohjoisnorjalaisen vähemmistön identiteetistä. Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seuran Toimituksia, 638. Helsinki.
  12. ^ Niemi, E. (1994), Kvenene og staten – et historisk riss. I: Torekoven Strøm (ed.), Report from the seminar ”Kvenene – en glemt minoritet?” Monday 14.11.94 at the University of Tromsø/ Tromsø Museum.
  13. ^ "James Ford Bell Library · University of Minnesota Libraries". www.bell.lib.umn.edu. Archived from the original on 2010-07-04. Retrieved 2006-11-08.
  14. ^ Vahtola, Jouko. Tornionlaakson historia I. Birkarlit, 'pirkkalaiset'. Malungs boktryckeri AB. Malung, Sweden. 1991.
  15. ^ Peter Schnitler. Grenseeksaminasjonsprotokoller 1742-1745. Volume I-III. Editors J. Qvigstad, K. B. Wiklund, Lars Ivar Hansen and Tom Schmidt. 1929.
  16. ^ "Official School Statistics". GSI - Grunnskolens informasjonssystem.
  17. ^ Tälje stadga (Translation from Latin). Wallerström, 1995. Sweden.
  18. ^ "Startsiden - Halti kvenkultursenter IKS". www.kvenkultursenter.no. Archived from the original on 2010-04-27. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
  19. ^ Hauge, Arne (2019-04-03). "Lær mer om kvendrakten: Når detaljene teller". Ruijan Kaiku (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  20. ^ a b "Kväänipuku – Kvendrakten | Kvensk.no" (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  21. ^ Berg, Anne Mari Rahkonen (2019-12-13). "Bør den nye kvensølvsmeden være en kven?". NRK (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  22. ^ "Norske Kveners Forbund". Norske Kveners Forbund.
  23. ^ "Språkrådet - Kvensk språkråd er dannet". Archived from the original on May 13, 2007. Retrieved April 30, 2007.
  24. ^ Ságat Tuesday, April 19th, 2007.
  25. ^ "Halti Kvenkultursenter". Archived from the original on 2007-10-09. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
[edit]
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