Turning the Tide Through Engaged Arctic Humanities
This session at the Arctic Frontiers Conference 2026 presents innovative research initiatives from UiT’s Center for Arctic Humanities (ArcHum). Four research environments will highlight critically environmental and societal challenges and demonstrate how transdisciplinary research projects driven by the arts and humanities are addressing pressing global issues and foster Arctic preparedness. By applying creative methods and engaging with local and indigenous knowledges, these projects explore sustainable futures for the Arctic and beyond.
Programme
11:00–11:10
Introduction: Turning the Tide Through Engaged Arctic Humanities
UiT’s Center for Arctic Humanities
Lilli Mittner
11:10–11:25
Máhtut - Sámi Knowledge and Practices in the Era of the Green Transition
Biebmolassi – Reconciling Sámi Food Systems
SAMFORSK – Research on Sámi Research and on Representation of Sámi Cultural Heritage
Trude Fonneland & Eli-Anita Øivand Schøning
Local Sámi food systems in Stuornjárga (Skånlandshalvøya) in Southern Troms, the Sallto (Salten) region in Nordland, and Gáivuotna (Kåfjord) in Troms are explored through the projects “Biebmolassi” and Máhtut. These initiatives are grounded in and operationalize an Indigenous understanding of food systems, emphasizing food as a vital aspect of Sámi culture and a platform for reconciliation. By acknowledging traditional Sámi foods as a valued cultural heritage, the projects aim to bridge the past with the present. Their primary objectives are to collect and enhance knowledge and skills related to Sámi circular economy and subsistence practices, while raising awareness of their importance for sustainable development. Food is not only a cornerstone of cultural identity but also plays a critical role in sustainability, food security, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
11:25–11:40
Rethinking the city from a multispecies perspective
Anniken Førde
Cities are, and have always been, more-than-human – they are home to a myriad of beings. Still, cities are responsible for destroying ecosystems and the conditions for more-than-human life. Non-human animals are seldom recognized as legitimate inhabitants in Western cities, where urban planning remains highly human-centered. Exploring the situation of the kittiwake, a small red-listed gull, that increasingly is moving into cities in Northern Norway, this presentation addresses how we can acknowledge others and rethink the city from a multispecies perspective. Urban kittiwakes serve as a case study to discuss a critical question about urban planning and development: How can we find ways to live together with non-humans in the city? The presentation is based on the research project “FUGLAN VEIT– safeguarding diversity in a time of climate change and biodiversity loss”.
11:40–11:55
Arctic Auditories – Hydrospheres in the High North explores environmental change through the lens of watery soundscapes. These projects employ methodologies from feminist studies, sound studies, and local knowledge to develop strategies for sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
11:55–12:10
https://www.uarctic.org/activities/thematic-networks/environmental-humanities
Kate Maxwell
The Environmental Humanities research group at UiT leads the UArctic Environmental Humanities Thematic Network, a collaboration of 16 institutions integrating the arts and humanities into the so-called grand challenges through interdisciplinary research. By leveraging the UArctic structure, the network extends the impact of Arctic climate research, fostering innovative and inclusive solutions to global challenges.
12:10-12:30
Questions and open conversation