Indigenous Knowledge & Sustainable Arctic Futures

Igaliku is a southern village of approximately 30 people. The village and the nearby area is home to sheep herders and hunters. The area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, as part of the “Kujataa Greenland: Norse and Inuit Farming at the Edge of the Ice Cap”. Birgejupmi researchers talked to herders and farmers about the changes they observe, challenges and future dreams.

Ilulissat is the third largest city of Kalaallit Nunaat in is placed in the municipality of the Avannaata. It is a place where Inuit-led local operators adapt to the climate challenges. Birgejupmi researchers, Vivi Vold, Paarnaq Rosing Jakobsen, and Naja Dyrendom Graugaard has hosted a workshop and a community peer review of our work, for Indigenous knowledge holders on the connections between land relations, healing, and health. Together with the experiences of the other visits to other towns and settlement, this contributes to the understanding of one health approach in the coastscapes of Kalaallit Nunaat.

Nanortalik is the southernmost town of Kalaallit Nunaat, and in this we talked to and visited the hunters and locals, among others we visited the local hunters meat market. To gain a bigger understanding of what the current struggles are, in contrast we also had conversations with locals about what relations they have with traditional and land-based teachings, that is linked to healing. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the relations between health and local cultural practices, such as how it is represented in the hunting profession.

Qaqortoq is the biggest town in the municipality of Kujalleq, in Southern Kalaallit Nunaat, with a population of app. 3000 inhabitants. Birgejupmi researchers, Vivi Vold and Naja D. Graugaard have visited local organizations and institutions to gain a deeper understanding of the relations between health and local cultural practices, such as how it is represented in the hunting profession, education and tourism.

Guovdageaidnu/Kautokeino is home to a strong traditional Sámi culture, closely connected to research and higher education rooted in the Sámi language. Here, knowledge is mobilized to shape the future of Sápmi.

Loabák/Lavangen is a key Birgejupmi site, selected for its Sámi heritage and strong local knowledge. Working with Gamtofta siida and healer Knut Lunde’s archive fosters dialogue, research, and Indigenous knowledge revitalization in this diverse coastal area.

Orjješ-Ráisa/Sørreisa is a key Birgejupmi site, valued for local Sámi knowledge and community strength. In partnership with Gamtofta siida and healer Knut Lunde’s archive, it fosters research, dialogue, and Sámi heritage revitalization.

Varanger is a vital Birgejupmi site facing climate, ecological, and green transition challenges. It supports Sámi marine knowledge, inclusive governance, and local empowerment through Indigenous-led resilience efforts.

Unjárga/Nesseby is a key Birgejupmi site where Sámi knowledge and youth co-design shape climate, marine, and invasive species research. Workshops and exhibitions explore future visions and assess wind energy’s cultural impacts, supporting Indigenous resilience and adaptation.

Berlevåg is a key Birgejupmi site where youth shape visions for sustainable futures. Through workshops and exhibitions, they explore wind energy and socio-environmental change, fostering inclusive climate decisions and Indigenous resilience in East-Finnmark.

Porsáŋgu/Porsanger is a key Birgejupmi site facing climate-driven ecological shifts. With Mearrasiida as a knowledge hub, the community revitalizes seal practices through workshops, supporting Sámi traditions, resilience, and sustainable coastal stewardship.

Álaheadju/Alta is a key Birgejupmi site, hosting workshops and working with Alta Museum. The museum’s Sámi heritage work helps counter colonial silencing and supports Indigenous empowerment and sustainable, knowledge-based development.

Nuuk is the capital of Kalaallit Nunaat with a population of app. 20,000 inhabitants. It is a vibrant, central town of Kalaallit Nunaat facing political, systemical challenges, as well as Inuit-led efforts for change. Birgejupmi researchers, Vivi Vold, Paarnaq Rosing Jakobsen, and Naja Dyrendom Graugaard has hosted a workshop for a Indigenous knowledge holders on the connetions between land relations, healing, and health.