The Birgejupmi project aims to share and strengthen Indigenous Arctic knowledge for coastal futures. The project brings together Indigenous, Western, and local knowledge systems, grounded in a holistic, ethical, and equitable community-based approach to research with strong Indigenous leadership.
Birgejupmi represents relational research that honours storytelling, personal reflection, mutual visiting, sharing circles, ceremony, art, duodji, design, joik, dance and culturally important land/sea-based collective and individual practices.
Partner: Saami Council
This workpackage will identify knowledge gaps and research needs in Arctic coastal communities, provide replicable frameworks for research initiatives that support collaborative knowledge creation, and assess and identify best practices for co-creative/co-productive methods and their implementation within a circum-Arctic scope.
Learn morePartner: UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
WP2 aims to assess changes in human-species and ecosystem interactions in the Varanger and Porsanger fjords, evaluate current management of red king crab, pink salmon, and seals, revitalize Sámi Indigenous Knowledge on seals, and strengthen pan-Arctic Indigenous and local knowledge exchange on the marine environment.
Learn morePartner: University of Copenhagen
This work package contributes to uncovering silenced traditional IK and local knowledge within archival records from Arctic coastal communities, a deeper understanding of the relational values to environment via connections between art, healing, and the natural world, and innovative and multimodal methods to strengthen the visibility of IK and local knowledge systems.
Learn morePartner: Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ (RIFS)
The project aims at assessing the impact -including opportunities and challenges- of climate change mitigation measures as experienced by young people living in Finnmark. In doing so, the project wants to collaboratively engage and understand young people’s vision of future in relation to the expansion of power production and wind energy projects in the Arctic.
Learn morePartner: UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Indigenous Voices
WP5 will co-develop future marine resources management and governance options informed by TEK, scientific and local knowledge through multi-stakeholder dialogue to address evolving fjord ecosystems, building on the work of WP2.
Learn morePartner: UiT The Arctic University of Norway
WP6 will explore and implement innovative approaches to transform the roles of museums, archives, and libraries, positioning them as new knowledge stewards/new Elders, and foster a shift in the interactions among knowledge centers and coastal Arctic communities.
Learn morePartner: Sámi Allaskuvla
WP7 will analyze the link between gender asymmetries (female out-migration leaving young men behind in higher education and art production) and existing forms of Indigenous education and knowledge validation.
Learn morePartner: University of Tartu
WP8 supports young people in Arctic coastal areas to take an active role in shaping their communities’ future in response to climate change and social challenges.
Learn morePartner: Dáiddadállu
WP9 Birgejupmi Through Art emphasizes art and craft as a tool of in one's environment, as a means of political survival and as a means of strengthening Indigenous voices and land and sea relations.
Learn morePartner: Saami Council
This WP ties into the work done on WP1, and cover reflexive ethics assessment and explicit engagement with methodological approaches throughout the project to support the development and application of co-creative and collaborative methods across all WPs and feedback insights to adjust project design continuously, promoting ethical and context-appropriate research practices and meaningful outputs.
Learn morePartner: Árvu AS
WP11 focuses on delivering a comprehensive communication and design package that enhances the visibility, credibility, and effectiveness of Birgejupmi.
Learn morePartner: Árvu AS
Building on WP11, WP12 will monitor and revise the CDEO strategy as needed in close collaboration with project partners and continue to support and advise the consortium on effective communication and outreach.
Learn morePartner: University of Oulu
WP13 is dedicated to ensuring the overall coordination and successful delivery of the project.
Learn morePartner: University of Oulu
WP14 leads the final phase of the Birgejupmi project, ensuring smooth coordination, thorough evaluation, and high-quality results.
Learn moreBirgejupmi builds bridges between Indigenous knowledge and modern science to find sustainable ways to manage natural resources. Birgejupmi is not just about science; it's about recognizing and respecting the rights and existence of Indigenous people. It's about acknowledging their deep connection to the land and sea, and their invaluable knowledge.
Through its mission, Birgejupmi documents and revitalizes Indigenous marine management practices, preserves the wisdom of the past, and integrates it with modern approaches for a sustainable future. From invasive species like seals, pink salmon, and king crabs, to the growing pressure of green energy developments—the project stands firm in strengthening local resilience and livelihoods.
Birgejupmi bridges differences - bringing youth, elders, researchers and policymakers together to honour the Arctic’s living archives and build a future where nature and communities thrive hand in hand. Through the “two-eyed seeing” approach, Birgejupmi harmonizes scientific research with Indigenous wisdom to inspire action, and influence policy.
The visual overview identifies key geographic areas where research activities will be concentrated throughout the project. Each region reflects specific thematic priorities and contextual relevance.
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.
Narsaq in Kalaallit Nunaat is key to Birgejupmi’s One Health focus. Despite limited health services, it offers vital Indigenous knowledge, supporting seal hunting, cultural resilience, and youth-led exchange between Kalaallit Nunaat and Sápmi.
Nuuk, urban hub of Kalaallit Nunaat, is a key Birgejupmi site offering insight into Indigenous governance, education, and health. Home to key institutions, it supports indigenizing archives and One Health collaboration between Kalaallit Nunaat and Sápmi.
Uummannaq in northern Kalaallit Nunaat is a Birgejupmi site highlighting Indigenous health and knowledge in remote areas. Rooted in hunting traditions, it supports the One Health approach and fosters resilience, sustainability, and knowledge exchange with Sápmi.
Stay updated with the latest publications from the project, including news articles, reports, and research summaries.
Birgejupmi on Instagram shares Indigenous Arctic knowledge. Follow along for visual updates and insights beyond the formal publications.
Our partners are experts on coastal areas, marine resources, traditional knowledge together with scientific knowledge and cocreation. They come from different areas, but they all have hearts beating for the Indigenous Arctic future.
WP13 and 14 Lead: Thora Hermann, University of Oulu
thora.herrmann@oulu.fi
WP13 and 14 Project Manager: Ruska Haavisto, University of Oulu
ruska.haavisto@oulu.fi
WP13 and 14 Administrative Manager: Jaana Toivola , University of Oulu
jaana.toivola@oulu.fi
WP2 Lead: Jan Erik Henriksen , prof. UiT
jan.e.henriksen@uit.no
WP2 Lead: Ida M. Hydle, prof. UiT
ida.m.hydle@uit.no
WP3 Lead): Naja Dyrendom Graugaard, Associate Professor, Copenhagen University
ndg@hum.ku.dk
WP3 Partner): Wasiq Silan, Assistant Professor, National Dong Hwa University
an.gao@helsinki.fi
WP4 Lead): Ilaria Sartini, PhD, Research Associate ilaria.sartini@rifs-potsdam.de
WP4 Co-Lead): Anne Chahine, PhD, Research Associate
anne.chahine@rifs-potsdam.de
WP5 Lead: Jan Erik Henriksen , prof. UiT, Indigenous Voices
jan.e.henriksen@uit.no
WP6 Lead: Britt Kramvig , prof. UiT
britt.kramvig@uit.no
WP6 Partner): Wasiq Silan, Assistant Professor, National Dong Hwa University
an.gao@helsinki.fi
WP7 lead: Samuel Valkeapää, Assistant Professor, Sámi Allaskuvla
samuelv@samas.no
kultuuriteadused.ut.ee/en/arctic-studies
WP8 Lead: Stephan Dudeck, University of Tartu
dudeck@ut.ee
WP9 Lead: Dine Arnannguaq Fenger Lynge, Dáiddadállu
dine@daiddadallu.com
WP10 Lead: Máret J. Hætta, prof. UiT
Maret.heatta saamicouncil.net
WP11 Lead: Karine Kimo-Skjåvik , senior designer, Árvu AS
karine@arvu.no
WP11 Co-Lead: Lone Synnøve Hegg, business developer, Kreativ Industri AS
lone@kreativindustri.no
WP11 Lead: Karine Kimo-Skjåvik , senior designer, Árvu AS
karine@arvu.no
WP11 Co-Lead: Lone Synnøve Hegg, business developer, Kreativ Industri AS
lone@kreativindustri.no
Principal Investigator: Wasiq Silan, Assistant Professor, National Dong Hwa University
wasiq.silan@gms.ndhu.edu.tw
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