How is the Sami egg collection and cloudberry picking carried out, and how is this expressed in language and stories?
Project period: 1.1.2019-31.12.2021
Collaborating partners: Árran Lulesamisk Senter, Mearrasiida, Billefjord, NINA Naturbruk Lillehammer.
Research group:
Project manager: Solveig Joks.
Researchers: Harrieth Aira, Svanhild Andersen and Steinar Nilsen. Postdoc. Stine Rybråten.
The research project focuses on collection of cloudberries and egg in Sea Sami areas on the Norwegian side of Sápmi. The researchers look at how relationships between humans and non-humans promote knowledge. They wanted to know how relationships are expressed in language, narratives and place names. In interdisciplinary approaches such as the social sciences and the humanities, the question is asked: What does today's collection practice in Lule Sami and Northern Sami coastal areas consist of, and what significance do these practices have?
Instead of seeing nature as an external reality isolated from man, this project explores how different types of nature are realized in human relationships to soil, water, animals, trees, grass and everything that people have contact with in their surroundings. Such an approach to the basis of practice corresponds to the Sami's view of the world.
Knowledge that is expressed through practices and human experiences can be difficult to put into words without practice. Therefore, the researchers from the project have chosen to participate in cloudberry and egg collection practices. In addition, they interview both men and women. Interviews are carried out on individuals and in groups. The local resource groups provide guidance in matters that particularly affect place names and terms.
The project aims to document, analyze and promote cloudberry and egg collection as central methods for creating livelihoods. These two ways of life have so far received little attention. This research project therefore brings forth new knowledge of importance for Sami communities, for the Norwegian majority community and in an international indigenous context. When the project explicitly emphasizes both women's and men's living conditions, this will be an important supplement to the lack of research on women's traditional living conditions in Sápmi.
Funding partner
