“We are all Norwegians; we are all the same” – midwives' experiences with Indigenous Sámi women in birth units in Northern Norway

Indigenous Sámi women in Norway are entitled to equitable and culturally safe maternity care. However, research on the Sámi perspectives in maternity care is limited. To explore midwives' experiences with Sámi women in birthing units in Northern Norway, we conducted 11 interviews, which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The main theme, "We are all Norwegians: We are all the same," reflects a recurring perception that equality in care means treating all women equally, regardless of their cultural background. This approach, while well-intentioned, risked obscuring the specific cultural needs of Sámi women. The analysis showed tensions between sameness and difference: some midwives emphasised individualised, woman-centred care without reference to cultural identity, while others recognised that Sámi women's backgrounds could shape communication, expectations, and needs in childbirth. Midwives with Sámi heritage described their background as influencing their understanding, even when they did not self-identify as Sámi. While midwives strive to provide individualised and equal care, this may unintentionally reproduce assimilative norms and contribute to culturally unsafe care by under-communicating difference. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing cultural safety in Norwegian midwifery through education, reflection on historical injustices, and acknowledgement of Sámi women's cultural identities.