Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Norway
Photo: Gunvor Guttorm.
Photo: Mattias Sikku Valio.
Photo: Mattias Sikku Valio.
Promoting Sámi culture globally The Sámi University College takes its role in promoting and protecting Sámi cultures and languages seriously. Championing indigenous studies globally is a natural extension of its vision. By Maria Lanza Knudsen
Located in the Sámi territory in northern Norway, the Sámi University College merged with the Nordic Sami Institute in 2005 and today can be found in ‘Diehtosiida’, the house of knowledge, in Kautokeino. Around 200 students from the Sámi areas in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia study at the institution. “Through various programmes of study and research we wish to secure and promote the future of Sámi societies,” says Gunvor Guttorm, the rector of the Sámi University College. “We conduct research in a range of scientific fields, from language science and cultural heritage to reindeer husbandry and other traditional industries.” With Sámi as the main study and administration language, the Sámi University College is a leading higher education and research institution in the Sámi territory and indigenous world. Promoting Sámi cultures specifically, and indigenous cul52 | Issue 82 | November 2015
tures more generally, it is a member of the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC) and follows its research standards. One of the main study programmes is the Sámi language, which is offered at all levels, including a bachelor, master’s and a planned PhD degree. The beginner’s level is a popular course that attracts large numbers of students, many of whom continue on to other programmes of study. Courses and degrees for pre-school and school teachers offer specialised learning for educators. To position itself internationally and among other indigenous cultures, the institution offers certain programmes in English, including a Master’s in indigenous journalism, attracting students from around the world. The majority of programmes offer flexible and online-based teaching.
Two other specialised programmes include bachelor and master’s degrees in indigenous ‘Duodji’ and art, and a bachelor degree in reindeer husbandry. ‘Duodji’ describes art and crafts associated with traditional Sámi artistic forms of expression. Reindeer husbandry offers a both practical and theoretical education of a traditional Sámi livelihood and industry. “Indigenous societies such as the Sámi need to build their own scientific capacity, educate their experts and evolve on level with the majority society,” Guttorm concludes. “We wish to be the leading Sámi institution in the world, but also a promoter of all indigenous cultures, through our course offerings, exchange programmes and partnerships.” Promoting and protecting Sámi cultures and languages is thus an integral part of promoting and protecting all indigenous cultures and languages.
For more information, please visit: www.samas.no