"As a Sámi woman active in reindeer herding, I am deeply connected to Indigenous cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. In addition to working with reindeer, I am also a student with the goal of becoming an environmental engineer. My passion lies in finding solutions to the environmental challenges facing Arctic communities, particularly the effects of climate change on Sámi culture and traditional livelihoods. I am also involved in advocacy for Sámi rights as a board member of Sáminuorra and vice-chair of Lopmenastie, where we work to pass on traditional knowledge to future generations.
The purpose of my trip to the Arctic Youth Conference was to exchange knowledge with other young Arctic leaders, share my experiences, and gain new perspectives on the challenges we face as Indigenous peoples. I wanted to bring attention to the impact of climate change on reindeer herding and Sámi traditions while also learning how other Indigenous groups navigate similar struggles. This event was particularly important to me because it provided a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with like-minded individuals and experts who are equally passionate about the Arctic’s future.
Thanks to the grant, I was able to attend this conference—an experience that would have been financially difficult for me otherwise. The event was incredibly educational and inspiring, and I am especially grateful for the many new connections I made. Meeting other young leaders, researchers, and Indigenous representatives allowed me to expand my network and exchange ideas that I can bring back to my community. This experience has strengthened my motivation to continue working for Sámi rights and environmental advocacy, and I believe it will greatly benefit both my studies and future career as an environmental engineer.I am truly thankful for this opportunity and look forward to applying what I have learned in my future work."
Part of the YoungArctic project, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. YoungArctic is a collaboration between High North Center (at Nord University), UArctic, and International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA).Follow the project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngarcticproject/