The paper critically examines the assumptions of the current language policies of the Nordic countries. These policies are supposed to stimulate the development of national and ethnic languages spoken in NORDEN, shaping the linguistic landscape of that region. Using the example of the Saami - the indigenous population of Northern Scandinavia - the strengths and weaknesses of the policies affecting the linguistic presence (or absence) of minorities will be discussed. The linguistic presence/absence is derived from the ongoing attempts to decolonize Sapmi, the land of the Saami people, and the former colonization processes of that region.