The development of a pan-Scandinavian Northern Sámi orthography gave additional relevancy to the new newspaper.
[2] Its first issue was published in January 1979, with the following text on the front page: "The time of darkness is soon over.
[4] While the editors of Ságat struck a more conciliatory tone, Sámi Áigi was firmly on the side of the protesters.
[5] The paper provided an outlet for debate and criticism of Scandinavian and Sámi political organizations and was also associated with the ČSV cultural movement.
[7] Despite its wide readership and a state subsidy, Sámi Áigi was plagued by economic issues for the majority of its existence.