Sámi Allaskuvla
WP7 Lead: Samuel Valkeapää, Pro-Rektor and Assistant Professor, Sámi Allaskuvla / The Sámi University of Applied Sciences
Empowering Indigenous higher education institutions
Overview & Objectives
WP7 explores the connections between gender inequalities, rural change, and the ways Indigenous knowledge and creativity are valued and passed on in Arctic communities. It focuses in particular on how female out-migration and the resulting demographic changes shape opportunities for young people in higher education, art, and creative practices.
The work highlights Sámi art and duodji (traditional Sámi handicraft) as practices deeply rooted in land, seascapes, cultural heritage, and identity. WP7 explores their role in sustaining knowledge, strengthening resilience, and creating new ways of responding to an Arctic environment in transition.
A key objective is to strengthen the place of Indigenous art and knowledge in higher education by developing international courses that bring Sámi art, duodji, and Indigenous perspectives into dialogue with contemporary artistic and academic practices.
Explore and address gender asymmetries in access to and participation in higher education, particularly in rural and Indigenous Arctic contexts.
Strengthening Sámi art and duodji
Support art and duodji (Sámi handicraft) as expressions of land, seascapes, cultural heritage, and identity, and as sources of resilience in an Arctic environment in transition.
Revitalising duodji traditions connected to marine resources
Strengthen and sustain duodji traditions rooted in marine resources, local livelihoods, and relationships with coastal environments.
Building capacity in Indigenous education and knowledge centres
Strengthen the capacity of Indigenous education institutions and knowledge centres to support, develop, and share Indigenous knowledge, art, and creative practices.
Explore and address gender asymmetries in access to and participation in higher education, particularly in rural and Indigenous Arctic contexts.
Strengthening Sámi art and duodji
Support art and duodji (Sámi handicraft) as expressions of land, seascapes, cultural heritage, and identity, and as sources of resilience in an Arctic environment in transition.
Revitalising duodji traditions connected to marine resources
Strengthen and sustain duodji traditions rooted in marine resources, local livelihoods, and relationships with coastal environments.
Building capacity in Indigenous education and knowledge centres
Strengthen the capacity of Indigenous education institutions and knowledge centres to support, develop, and share Indigenous knowledge, art, and creative practices.
Activities & Relational Methods
WP7 works to strengthen recognition of Indigenous art, duodji (Sámi handicraft), and design as ways of producing and communicating knowledge—not only as forms of cultural expression. These practices can generate new understandings and perspectives that complement conventional research methods and contribute to policy and decision-making.
Through collaborative, art-based approaches, we will explore how different forms of expression can make the experiences and needs of Arctic coastal communities more visible, particularly in places undergoing rapid socio-ecological change. This includes creating opportunities for Indigenous artists, practitioners, communities, and researchers to work together and reconnect knowledge across generations, addressing disruptions caused by historical assimilation policies.
WP7 will also develop in-person and digital learning opportunities focused on land- and seascape-based practices, local livelihoods, mobility, and social relations. These courses and curricula will support knowledge transfer, strengthen local capacities, and contribute to the revitalisation of Indigenous culture while creating opportunities for sustainable marine practices and new socio-economic pathways
Expected Outcomes & Impact
Building capacity through Indigenous learning
Develop in-person and digital courses for Sámi allaskuvla rooted in land- and seascape-based practices to strengthen Indigenous higher education, support sustainable marine livelihoods, and contribute to cultural revitalisation and new socio-economic opportunities.
WP7 team members
Research Areas
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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.
News & Publications from Work Package 7
Stay updated with the latest publications from this work package, including news articles, reports, and research summaries.
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A Powerful Finale: Celebrating 3rd Birgejupmi through Art & Duodji Seminar in Guovdageaidnu
Published: 09.05.2026EventThis 3rd Birgejupmi through Art & Duodji seminar in Guovdageaidnu united artists, researchers, and knowledge holders for three vibrant days where art, duodji, culture, and knowledge were lived through presentations, dialogue, music, and reflection on Indigenous artistic futures in Sápmi and beyond.
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Navigating Harsh Conditions: Birgejupmi and Two-Eyed Seeing in Arctic Education
Published: 11.09.2025FieldworkJan-Erik Henriksen introduced students to "birgejupmi", a key Sámi concept for resilience in Arctic conditions. Through lectures and dialogue, he combined Indigenous knowledge and research using the "two-eyed seeing" approach.
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