Exploring Young Peoples Future Visions – Fieldwork in Várjjat

Workshop in Unjárga: How do you envision your future? 

14-15 February WP4 facilitated the workshop “Young People in Unjárga: What is important for your future?”. The workshop took place at the youth club Bakeriet Ungdomshus, and provided a space for youth to share and discuss how they experience being young in Unjárga today and how they envision their futures as Sámi youth – in relation to birgejupmi.  

The workshop was facilitated by Per-Henning Mathisen (Saami Council) and Ilaria Sartini (Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ), together with co-facilitator Petra Laiti (Saami Council) who led the activity “The Grazing Game” – an activity to draw an imaginary landscape placing infrastructure and industrial activities on it, illustrating the encroachments on Sámi reindeer grazing lands. 

What emerged during the workshop, is the importance of the relationship to the land, to traditions and Sámi culture and practices as a way to live well and of being well. Moose hunting, fishing, berry picking, duodji, are oftentimes group activities and are ways of connecting, building relations, exchanging stories, memories and knowledge, just like learning Sámi language and local dialect. They are a way to get to know their homeland and bond with family and community members. It made an impression to see how, in times of uncertainty, when talking about the future, the discussions pivoted around identity, belonging, and wellbeing.  

Visit to Bearalváhkki: Planning the next youth workshop 

During the week of fieldwork WP4 also visited Bearalváhkki, where the next workshop of WP4 will take place on the 25th of March at the Youth Club venue. Our researchers met with a local school teacher to inform about the project plans, and to coordinate and plan the upcoming youth workshop. We are excited to hear what hopes the youth have for their future in Bearalváhkki and how they envision a sustainable future.