Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik
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Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik (en) Fédération Nordique de Bjørnavik (fr)
Nordisk Federation i Bjørnavik (sv) | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
| Motto: There are stones older than men
( French: Il est des pierres plus anciennes que les hommes ) ( Swedish: Det finns stenar äldre än män ) | |
| Capital | Bjørnavik |
| Official languages | French, English, Swedish, Old Norse |
| Religion | Secular |
| Demonym(s) | Bjørnavikan |
| Government | Libertarian federation |
• Jarl-Protector | Baron Håkon Figurson |
| Legislature | The Fölkthing |
| Establishment | 27 January 2021 |
| Population | |
• 2023 census | 3 |
| Currency | Bjørnavikan Ꞩkjold (BSK) €uro (accepted) |
| Time zone | (UTC +1) |
| Internet TLD | .bk (in progress) |
| Today part of | France |
Bjørnavik, officially the Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik, is a self-proclaimed non-administered federation landlocked in France, commonly referred as a micronation by external observers. Founded on 27 January 2021, Bjørnavik has four kantons: Bjørnavik, Vestskersey, Storskøger and Hvitbàlfjall.
Bjørnavik claims the land under its citizens' feet, making it a micronation that cannot be invaded but only destroyed. Thus, citizens are obliged to take care of the environment because every step they take is on the homesoil. Moreover, its random size invites citizens to come together to be stronger. The only constant in its area size is that there is none.
Philosophy
The Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik is a neutral, environmentalist and anti-capitalist state which tends to produce only what it needs for its citizens to live well and no longer depends on fossil fuels. As a peaceful federation Bjørnavik is against the spread of firearms and guns are prohibited within the territory.
The federation aims to leave no footprints of its activities in the nature and fights for the preservation of all living things.
The national Motto reminds to every citizens that they are here for a short period of time and they must act thinking the nature will remains long after they will be gone.
Inspired by the nordic countries Bjørnavik is ruled by the allemansrätt : « freedom to roam » and to have access to nature and enjoy its fruits. Within the Bjørnavik territory nature belongs to everyone, we all have to take care of it and no one can take it away from us. The only rule that applies is: do not disturb, do not destroy.
Bakunin's quote guide the international relationships : "We recognize the absolute right of every nation, large or small, for every people, weak or strong, for every province, for every commune, to complete autonomy, provided that its internal constitution is not a threat or a danger to the autonomy and freedom of neighboring countries"
Etymology
Bjørnavik comes from the Old Norse bjǫrn (bear) and vík (bay) and means Bear’s Bay.
History
The Legend
The Jarldom was named after Baron Håkon II « Svartbjørn » (Black Bear) discovered it because there was a bear on the beach when he landed. He took this as a good omen from the Gods and decided to settle there with his people.
On the beach heights they found big forest where they spent the following night peacefully. Baron Håkon II decided to founded the city of Bjørnavik - and said that the city will be under the protection of the bear and shall remain free forever.
Having suffered and fled tyranny, Baron Håkon II decided to split the new land between him and his three most trusted men and made them co-regents. It was the first union of the 4 Bjørnavikan territories.
Chronology
Following the rediscovery of the legend of Baron Håkon II « Svartbjørn », The Great Nordic Territories of Bjørnavik were found on 27 January 2021.
The writing of the Constitution begins on 15 February 2021 but it appears that the name of the state was not in keeping with the government type desired by the citizens.
A referendum took place on 22 February 2021 to choose a new name. The Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik was finally chosen by consensus.
On 5 April 2021 the Constitution was ratified by the Fölkthing and therefor begins a new era in the Federation.
On 22 February 2023, the Fölkthing validated the organisational restructuring in the federation and, at the same time, abolished the Ländthings, which had become an unnecessary administrative level that hampered the fluidity of procedures.
On 12 October 2024 the Fölkthing agreed for a complete constitutions overhaul to bring it as close as possible into line with the libertarian philosophy of the Common and changed its name to The Manifesto.
Politics and government
Bjørnavik is a free libertarian federation leaded by a Jarl-Protector and mostly inspired by libertarianism and direct democracy. The federation is close to the Greek polis and the civitas of ancient Rome in its organisation and functioning. The "state" is called the Common.
Legislature
The "legislative power" is vested by the Fölkthing (People’s Assembly) and every adult citizen own a seat and a voice. The Fölkthing is oversees by the Prime Speaker, drawn by lot before each parliamentary session and for the length of the session.
The Common representative is the Jarl-Protector which is drawn by lot for a one-year term and cannot be drawn for the next two years. He/she has no power over any citizen and she/he is only the ‘physical’ representative of the state abroad or during official visits by foreign representatives.
An Aedile is drawn by lot every year to represent each kanton at official federal ceremonies. This is a representative term only.
Committees
The Council of Common, made up of committees, is appointed by the Fölkthing to deal with the following areas :
- Internal Affairs and Environment Committee
- Foreign Affairs Committee
- Knowledge, Sciences, Education and Culture Committee
Law and order
The federal "judiciary" is vested by the Fölkthing.
As a sparsely populated micronation no full-time law enforcement is required.
Foreign relations
As a peaceful and neutral state Bjørnavik is nevertheless open to all foreign relationship through its Delegate of the Foreign Affairs.
Bjornavik does not recognise states built on the systematic despoliation of land, slavery and massacre of peoples, referred to by Western history as indigenous, natives; and where these same peoples, when they have survived the extermination, are still discriminated against.
Bjornavik does not recognise the sovereignty of states over overseas territories acquired under similar circumstances.
Bjornavik does not recognise the legitimacy of any authoritarian government, whose fundamental freedoms of its people are not guaranteed.
The Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik signed a treaty of alliance and mutual recognition with the following state:
Jarldom of Hjalvik (since 29 May 2021)
Free State of Sabini (since 18 Mars 2022)
Organizations
Following the dissolution of the Nordic Confederation on 11 March 2023, the Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik is no longer part of any micronational organizations.
Withdrew from the Micronation Assembly after an unanimous Fölkthing vote on 5 February 2022.
Bjørnavik is a Montediszamble Convention signatory since 14 March 2022.
Admnistrative regions
There are four subdivisions in the Federation which are called kantons.
The largest kanton is the Kanton of Bjørnavik which gives its name to the federation.
The Fölkthing and the Council of the Common sits in the Svartbjørnhùs (Black Bear's House). The government building is located in the kanton of Bjørnavik.
| Coat of arms | Name |
|---|---|
 |
Kanton of Bjørnavik |
 |
Kanton of Vestskersey |
 |
Kanton of Storskøger |
 |
Kanton of Hvitbàlfjall |
Economy
As an anti-capitalist state Bjørnavik has a free economy, based on exchanges, like food-for-services or food-for-crafts exchanges.
Furthermore there is no industry on Bjørnavik and the state does not encourage it.
The currency is the Bjørnavikan Ꞩkjold (BSK) - indexed to the euro - and mainly used for intermicronational trades. €uro are accepted.
Ecology
The Commission for the Protection and safeguarding of the Environment and the Study of the Impact of the Community on its Natural Environment (PSE-SICNE Commission) is a standing commission that meets every month. Its purpose is to draw up a program of important rules for the behaviour of the Community in its environment in order to preserve it.
This program is regularly updated and adapted to changes in the customs and practices of the Common.
Every year, on Earth Day (22 April), at an extraordinary session at the Fölkthing, it submits an assessment of the impact of the Community on its environment and proposals for a guideline for the following year.
Fauna
The Bjørnavikan cat is a endemic species of Bjørnavik. Likely to have contacts with humans, it can sometimes be a little angry and scratch your skin until it bleeds. Big sleeper, it spends most of its time sleeping or washing itself.
Culture and media
The only science center of Bjørnavik is the High-College of the Nordic Studies also called the High College of Hvitvaldyr. The main library is called the Mimiskaïa Library. They are both located in Storskøger kanton and free to access.
The only newspaper of the Federation is the Bjørnavikan Skáld. According to the constitution the press is free in the federation.
Yule Festival takes place every year between 21 December and 25 December.
Holidays
| Date | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 27 January | Foundation day | Celebration of the foundation of the micronation |
| 6 May | Bjørnavikan day | Celebrating the Common's people unity |
| 20 or 21 June | Midsommar | Summer Solstice / Celebrating the longest day of the year |
| 16 July | Svartbjørn Day | Celebrating the Nature |
| 20 September | Blåbär Day | Museums are entrance free for the day and blueberry muffin are cooked |
| 21 ou 22 December | Ancestors day / Yule | Solstice / Celebrating the return of light |
| 32 December | Hogswatchnight | Celebrating Terry Pratchett's genius |
Gastronomy
The national dish is the Nordic Salad composed of potatoes, red onions, smoked fish (herring or salmon) and a cream/mustard/vinegar sauce.
Bjørnavikans drink a lot of coffee and this beverage was chosen as the national drink before beer and ginger wine.
The Fölkskáli
Most Bjørnavikan houses do not have a kitchen. Meals are taken in the Fölkskáli (People's Hall) in the neighborhood. Everyone brings what they can and in this way it is ensured that no one is short of food.
Sports and religion
The national sport is mountain biking. In fact, all the population uses bikes as their main means of transport. Bjørnavikan enjoys other sports such as ice hockey and American football.
There is no official religion in Bjørnavik but actually 33% of the population is Christian, 33% worship Norse gods and 33% is animist.
Thanks title
Every citizen who has held a position in the Bureau may be granted permission by the Common to has a thanks title as a result of service to it. Such persons may choose to add Baron, Baroness or Honourable before their given names (e.g., Honourable Mimi Skaïa). This title does not confer any hierarchical or social superiority. These titles are granted unanimously by the Fölkthing.
External links
Official Twitter account of the Nordic Federation of Bjørnavik