Happiness among children and young people in the Arctic

The Arctic indigenous population is considered to be a particularly vulnerable group, especially with regard to children and young people. For instance, young Saami and Inuit experience a greater degree of violence, aggression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide itself compared with their Nordic peers or dominant populations in the same areas. Their living conditions are often marred by limited access to welfare benefits such as health and social care, social services, and education, as well as limited opportunities for working in the Arctic compared with more populous and centrally located areas of the Nordic Region. Consequently NORDBUK has in previous years called for the prioritisation of children and young people in the Arctic. However, this requires a solid scientific basis for ensuring that future activities in the field of children and young people in the Arctic have an impact. In light of this, the project “Happiness among children and young people in the Arctic” was initiated. The project consisted of a survey of existing research on the topic and a network meeting involving children and young people from the Arctic, as well as local authorities and network organisations which work to promote the rights and conditions of children and young people.