About Birgejupmi
Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and scientific research for sustainable Arctic coastal futures.
Project Overview
Birgejupmi aims to co-produce knowledge by integrating Indigenous ways of knowing with scientific research. Our vision is to empower Arctic communities, inform sustainable management practices and foster resilience in the face of environmental and social change. We strive to create ethical spaces for collaboration, ensuring that research processes respect Indigenous self-determination and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the communities and ecosystems involved.
Key objectives
- To document, revitalise, and integrate Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge-informed marine and coastal resources management and conservation practices.
- To assess the environmental, socio-economic, cultural and demographic changes experienced as a result of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
- To investigate the transformative potential of sea- and landscapes as living archives to inform TEK-rooted resource governance and empower local institutions and knowledge centres to become open spaces for dynamic community-led research initiatives.
Research Approach
We will document IKS related to land-and seascapes in each of the Arctic coastal areas in this project, through relational research that honours storytelling, personal reflection, mutual visiting, sharing circles, ceremony, art-, duodji-, design-creation, joik, dance and culturally important land-and sea-based collective and individual practices. Birgejupmi will facilitate the sharing of Indigenous approaches and methodologies among Indigenous communities across various Arctic coastal regions in Sápmi, Kalaallit Nunaat, North America and North New Zealand.
What is "Birgejupmi"?
"Birgejupmi" is a North Sámi concept rich in meaning. It encapsulates what is essential for maintaining a livelihood, encompassing not just material resources but also cultural values, ecological knowledge, sustainable resource use, social networks and the spiritual connection to the land and sea.
This project embraces the holistic nature of Birgejupmi as a guiding principle for its research and collaboration, acknowledging the interconnectedness of culture, environment and well-being.
Our Approach: Two-Eyed Seeing
We are guided by the principle of Etuaptmumk, often translated as "Two-Eyed Seeing". This concept, originating from Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, encourages viewing the world through the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
This approach fosters respect, reciprocity, and co-learning, allowing us to weave together diverse perspectives for a more holistic and robust understanding of Arctic coastal ecosystems and the challenges they face.
Research Areas
Our research explores critical themes across Sápmi and Kalaallit Nunaat, focusing on community priorities and knowledge co-production.
The Team
Our partners are experts on coastal areas, marine resources, traditional knowledge together with scientific knowledge and cocreation.
EU Funding
The Birgejupmi project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101182041.