Bjarne Store-Jakobsen

Bjarne Store-Jakobsen (born 12 January 1944) He was considered the "brains behind" the movement, for Sami activists challenging the development of a hydroelectric plant, the Alta Hydroelectric Power Station, by the Norwegian government on the Altaelva. Store-Jakobsen opposed the development, since individuals in the reindeer husbandry sector were opposed to the development, and his belief in the importance of protecting the nature in the area. During the confrontation, Store-Jakobsen insisted that the protests be exclusively peaceful, refusing a proposal to sink the Janina, a ship used to house police officers, citing that the action would be a violent escalation.

A trained journalist, Store-Jakobsen worked in the film and television production industries for 15 years, working as a journalist and editor.

Political career From 2005 to 2009, During his time in the Sami parliament, he served as a member for the business and culture committee. He was appointed for a second time in 2010, continuing to represent the Sami people of Norway. During his time in the BEAC, he served as head of the Working Group of Indigenous Peoples. As part of BEAC, Store-Jakobsen led the "Vyngy syo" (Voice of the Tundra) project, aimed at organizing Nenets language broadcasting in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. In his capacity as leader for the working group, he was critical of Russian government programs targeting Indigenous people's relationship with alcohol and the failure to provide alternative employment for communities. He called for the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide financial support and prevent the bankruptcy of Kola Sámi Radio. The position oversaw the attempted implementation of the reindeer husbandry industry within the Sami of the Kola Peninsula with the project "Obsjina Kildin".

In June 2011, Store-Jakobsen was removed from his post of advisor to the President of the Sámi Parliament of Norway. Incumbent President Egil Olli cited the need for renewal in the post, stating that the then 67-year-old man was too old for the position, Amid the confrontation, Olli revealed that Store-Jakobsen discussed with him his intent to undermine fellow Ap politician and vice president . Store-Jakobsen replied that he had expressed his hesitancy at Balto's suitability as president and his intent to work for other candidates vying for the position.

On 22 March 2015, He was chosen as the Sámi People's Party's (SfP) mayoral candidate for Unjárga Municipality (Nesseby). During his run, he called for increased transparency for the mayor's office, as well as improving infrastructure for the growing fishing industry in the municipality. He was subsequently elected to the municipal council, as one of three SfP representatives. Store-Jakobsen placed fourth overall for personal votes, with 57 votes cast. On 5 December 2015, Store-Jakobsen was elected leader of the SfP.

Views Store-Jakobsen views the relationship between the Sami and the Norwegian people as one of "colonization", which Jonathan Crossen compared to the treatment of Indigenous Canadians by the Canadian government. Store-Jakobsen supports the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission for the whole of Sápmi with regards to Sami children forced to attend schools that were distant from their communities. He is critical of the Sámi Parliament of Norway's effectiveness, expressing his dissatisfaction with its weakness and lack of sway within society. He believed that the Norwegian government and the Sámi parliament should work harder to rectify racist perceptions through ensuring correct information is presented in primary school. He expressed opposition to the Ap-led municipal council's removal of Sami language names on road signs.

As leader of the SfP, Store-Jakobsen was critical of Sami Parliamentary President Aili Keskitalo's decision to form a coalition with the Centre Party, citing the NSR's stance on forming coalitions with solely Sámi political parties, criticizing Keskitalo's reluctance to work with his party. During his run for Nesseby mayor Store-Jakobsen expressed willingness to accept refugees on humanitarian grounds. He was critical of Nesseby mayor Knut Store's decision to reject the acceptance of asylum seekers to the municipality, labelling his rejection in accordance with the policies of the Progress Party.

Store-Jakobsen advocated for the release of Leonard Peltier during the Barack Obama administration. He visited Peltier, and called on previous Sami parliament presidents Egil Olli and Vibeke Larsen in calling for his release.

Personal life Store-Jakobsen currently lives in Unjárga Municipality (Nesseby) in Finnmark county. As of 2021, he worked as a freelancer. His relationship with his former wife Esther Tailfeathers and his daughter are the subject of her 2014 film Bihttoš (Rebel). The film details the couple's "mythical love story" from their meeting at the 1981 World Council of Indigenous Peoples assembly in Australia to their eventual divorce. It deals with his struggles with depression, his suicide attempt, and the consequences for their family, as well as his reconnection with his daughter and sharing with her his experiences in the Sámi boarding school system.