In this chapter, I argue that there is a need for critical historical perspectives in discussions on sustainable development and Indigenous and minority rights in Sápmi. Many of the present-day conflicts over land and cultural rights in Sápmi, including conflicts over the exploitation of natural resources and the management of Sámi heritage, have deep historical roots, and in order to understand current conflicts, historical perspectives are needed. It is important to critically examine the historical development of an “extractive mindset”, which has been an important part of colonial ideologies and practices. Furthermore, I argue that material sources can play an important role in the historical explorations. There is a potential of archaeology and material culture studies to throw light on aspects that are not reflected in the written sources and to provide new perspectives. In the chapter, I discuss the interrelations of the exploitation of natural resources and the collecting of material culture and human remains in Sápmi, as part of colonial networks stretching from the early seventeenth century until today. How can archaeological and historical perspectives contribute to the understanding of current debates on decolonization, Sámi Indigenous land and cultural rights, and sustainable development?