On 12 November 2025, the traveling Calotte Academy arrived in Kautokeino, Norway, the heart of Sápmi, for a day dedicated to Indigenous perspectives and Europe’s northern futures. The Kautokeino session at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences building, hosted by UArctic EALÁT Institute (UEI) of the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR), focused on the theme “Indigenous Peoples and Europe – the Case of the Sámi.”
The session began with welcoming speech by Alena Gerasimova, MSc, MA, project leader at ICR and UEI, who spoke about world reindeer herding and the ongoing work of ICR and World Reindeer Herders (WRH) in supporting sustainable livelihoods and Indigenous knowledge. PhD Candidate and Sámi reindeer herder from Kautokeino - Rávdná Biret Marja Eira Sara, also welcomed participants of the Calotte Academy on behalf of the Sámi University of Applied Sciences and shared thoughtful comments on the current situation of reindeer husbandry in Norway and the challenges facing local herding communities.
The morning continued with engaging academic presentations exploring the intersections between Indigenous governance, European policy, and the evolving Arctic environment. Oula-Antti Labba opened with reflections on Sámi self-determination and governance in Sápmi, followed by Eleni Kavvatha examined the implications of the EU’s Green Deal for Sámi lands and livelihoods, while Natalie Janel Smith shared insights on youth, homelessness, and resilience in Nunavut and the wider Western Arctic. The session concluded with Zhanna Anshukova’s thought-provoking presentation, “Is the Arctic Shaping Sexuality?”, which explored how Arctic environments and cultures influence identity, gender, and social narratives in the North.
After the lunch served by the chefs of NOMAD Indigenous FoodLab, participants enjoyed an excursion to Čoarvemátta,visitting the Sámi High School and Reindeer Herding School. This visit showcased how traditional knowledge, cultural expression, and education continue to sustain Sámi identity and drive community innovation. Later, the group took part in the third round of the Academy’s role-playing game, simulating European and Arctic negotiations on sustainability, sovereignty, and cooperation in the context of global multi-crises.
Reflecting the Academy’s broader mission, the Kautokeino day embodied the dialogue between scientific and Indigenous knowledge, as well as between local and transnational perspectives. As part of the Academy’s journey through Rovaniemi, Luleå, Hetta, Inari, and Sodankylä, the stop in Kautokeino stood out as a key moment for discussing the role of Indigenous peoples in shaping Europe’s northern future, within the wider framework of ecological, political, and social transformation.
