“I want to give something back” – BIRGEJUPMI at Forskningsetik i Saepmie

They want to move away from the previous experiences that many Sámi have, of taking part in a research project and then never seeing the researcher or what he or she has come up with. At the same time, it emerged that many Sámi are researched in isolation and that there seems to be an expectation from outsiders, from high school students, students, researchers, trainee programmes etc., that Sámi should take part and answer all sorts of questions that are asked about them.

As researchers today, we want to give back at the same time that the Sámi community asks itself the question “what’s in it for us?” As Sámi, ”we are more aware that we can say no and make demands on the research”.

It’s about developing methods, getting close to those you research with/about/for, that are adapted to the small communities and constantly being aware of ethical issues. Self-criticism was also raised that you often remember at the last second that you should include those affected at an early stage, that you have completed the research and then left, and so on. Many positive things were highlighted, such as who and what you want to include, wanting to give something back, not wanting to be like previous researchers. You want to be a good researcher but sometimes you don’t know how to go about it.

Another issue that was raised is this about open access to sources. It can but doesn’t have to cause problems when conducting research among the Sámi. Not all Sámi want their material to be able to be spread to other researchers. You give the knowledge to someone you have built up a relationship with and trust. The fact that that material can then be used by others can be experienced as problematic. So there is a clash between academia and the ordinary person. And how to handle it, needs further discussion.

It is clear that there is a common understanding that there are research gaps, and that there are many of them, when it comes to the Sámi community. That it is important to be able to identify them and from there develop new research projects.

Some form of “toolbox” is needed when it comes to research on the Sámi and the Sámi community, which contains guidance on how to research the Sámi. However, it is equally important to have guidance for the Sámi community, which strengthens the members in contact with everything from high school children to established researchers, who should be able to meet on equal terms.