It acts as an institution of cultural autonomy for the indigenous Sámi people.

Its first session was opened by the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, on 26 August 1993 in Kiruna.

The chairperson is formally assigned by the Swedish Government upon the proposal of the Sami Parliament.

The 2021 election was held on 16 May 2021, with 9,220 people registered as voters, mostly living in Norrbotten or Västerbotten.

[2][3][4] Sweden has taken this active part for two reasons: Sámi Parliament is democratically elected and acts as an autonomous authority.