The present article intends to describe the genesis of actions of agents involved in the constitution of the universe of Norwegian international cooperation. Here, we emphasize the meaning of participation of anthropologists, missionaries, environmentalists and members of the Sami people in the construction of this universe. Among other questions, we analyze the adequacy of the historical landmarks traditionally associated with the formation of the development apparatus; the relation between this apparatus and the processes of ethnic and national identity building; the values that support the functioning of Norwegian cooperation, situating the connection among ideals of "doing good", tutelary perspectives and counter-hegemonic positions in its performance; and the associations between anthropological theories and practices related to the construction of contemporary political agencies.
International cooperation; Indigenous peoples; Norway; Sami; Anthropological theory