The Saami Council, a non-governmental organization focused on promoting the rights of Sami people internationally, demands Square Enix remove Final Fantasy 14's recently-added Far Northern Attire cosmetic. Final Fantasy 14 is heavily influenced by cultures across the world with regard to the peoples of Hydaelyn, the MMO's setting. However, it seems Square Enix may have assumed too much and taken too much liberty with regard to Final Fantasy 14's Far Northern Attire cosmetic.The Saami Council was formed in 1956 to represent the interests of the indigenous peoples of Sapmi, a region including parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Now a largely urbanized demographic, like many indigenous populations the Sami are fighting to protect and promote their culture. One example would an agreement between the Sami and Walt Disney Animation Studios to involve the Sami in the creation of Frozen 2, both to ensure the film is appropriate and respectful of Sami culture and to contribute back to Sami society.RELATED: Final Fantasy 14 Mount Lets Players Fly by Holding BalloonsA situation has now come about due to the release of the Far Northern Attire cosmetics in Final Fantasy 14, which the Saami Council alleges infringes on the cultural property rights of the Sami people. More specifically, the Saami Council alleges that the design of the Far Northern Attire is "particularly damaging" because Sami clothing traditions are not just an aesthetic, but rather "carry the significance of being specific elements of Sami identity with meaning, content, and context." By making the Far Northern Attire available as a microtransaction, the Saami Council says Square Enix has "allowed their 41 million players to dress up as a Sami people, clothe themselves in the Sami identity, without our consent, and contribute to the erosion of our culture."

While the Saami Council says that it is open to and appreciative of "proper and appropriate collaborations" with entertainment companies, there are correct ways to go about that which Square Enix has not done. As such, the Saami Council has demanded that Square Enix immediately remove the Far Northern Attire from Final Fantasy 14 and to engage with the Sami people in a meaningful dialogue.

At this time, it doesn't appear that the Saami Council is following through with legal action against Square Enix regarding the alleged violation of Sami cultural property rights. It's unclear if that's a path the Saami Council will follow. The Sami agreement with the Walt Disney Council for Frozen 2 was made without a legal endeavor, following allegations of appropriation in the first Frozen film. The Saami council is perhaps hoping for a similar result here.

Square Enix has, at this time, made no public comment regarding the Saami Council's demand. The Far Northern Attire cosmetic remains available in the Final Fantasy 14 store for a price of $18. A solution that works to the benefit of the Sami people can hopefully be reached over time.

Final Fantasy 14 is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.

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