Sami people
The history of the Sami people is one of marginalisation and Norwegianization – the government policy of forced assimilation of the Sami into Norwegian society. Christian missions among the Sami people go back to the Middle Ages, but from 1700 the Protestant and pietistic mission among the Sami, together with state colonialism, brought lasting changes to the Sami society (as well as religion). From around 1850 a very rough assimilation policy held the Sami people in a firm grip until 1980. This period may be referred to as the Dark Ages of the Sami people. This assimilation policy permeated the public officials, schools and the Church of Norway. In parts of Sápmi the Sami culture and language was eradicated during this period.