The region traditionally occupied by the Saami is known as Sápmi. It is considered a "cultural region," but not a nation.

Although the Saami are spread through a wide expanse of land, they have historically been discriminated against and do not have their own nation state.

Just as indigenous people of other areas, such as the Native North Americans for example, were subjected to programs of assimilation, attempts were made to break down Saami culture and assimilate their people into the larger cultures of the countries in which they lived.

Because of these campaigns, elements of Saami culture began to die out and were in danger of being lost forever. Massive efforts to convert the Saami from their native religion were instituted by the Lutherans during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many Saami children were forced to speak Norwegian or Swedish instead of their own language.

Unfortunately, this was not uncommon during recent eras. There are parallels not only with the Natives of North America, but this also occurred with the Celtic language speakers in Ireland, Wales, and other areas of Britain.

Just as many other groups were treated as "less than" by the dominant population, the Saami were often mocked and looked down upon. For many years they were referred to as "Lapps" and their home was known as "Lappland." To this day, many people do not realize that the term "Lapp" is offensive to the Saami people. Apparently it refers to rags and implies they are "the people who dress in rags." Today, the term Saami, or Sami, is preferred.