As home to Indigenous communities such as the Sámi people in Fennoscandia and the Inuit population in Greenland, the Nordic region is obliged to ensure that indigenous voices are meaningfully included in academic and societal discourse.
Indigenous knowledge holds transformative potential in addressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development—fields where the Sámi, Inuit and other indigenous peoples possess profound expertise. By fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, Nordic research can offer innovative solutions grounded in respect for cultural diversity and ecological stewardship.
In addition to the special initiatives listed below, Indigenous perspectives are also included in other research areas, most notably Sustainable Development of the Arctic and Green Transition.
Ethical guidelines working group
NordForsk has established a working group to focus on the ethical guidelines for research involving Indigenous peoples in the Nordic countries. The group will further develop guidelines and their governance at the Nordic level.
The principles of the guidelines will cover at least the following areas
- Reciprocal Communication and Engagement
- Assessment of the Benefits and Risks of the Research and the Positionality of the Researcher and their Research
- Appreciation of and Respect for Indigenous Society and Knowledge
- Obligation to Return and Share Information
The principles are based on the Ethical Guidelines for Research Involving the Sámi People In Finland (PDF).
