Nordic Program at Arctic Frontiers 2026

Monday 02.02.26

Indigenous Engagement and Co-Creation in Arctic Research

Date: Monday, 02/02/2026
Time: 11:00 - 12:30
Location: Importkompaniet, the Edge

The Arctic region is a testing ground for how societies, ecosystems, and species can adapt—or fail—in the face of rapid transformation. Climate change, overtourism, and shifting multispecies relations are reshaping landscapes, livelihoods, and cultures, often bringing them into conflict. 
International and cross-cultural cooperation in Arctic research depends on mutual respect, ethical engagement, and the recognition of Indigenous knowledge as a knowledge system in its own right. 
The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) defines Indigenous knowledge as generational knowledge — passed from elders to younger generations through practice, stories, and lived experience. This form of knowledge is deeply rooted in doing and observing, not only in speaking or theorizing, emphasizing collaboration “with, not about” Indigenous communities, the sharing and co-production of data, and ensuring that Indigenous partners retain control over how knowledge is used. 

Indigenous knowledge is a systematic way of thinking applied to phenomena across biological, physical, cultural and spiritual systems. It includes insights based on evidence acquired through direct and long-term experiences and extensive and multigenerational observations, lessons and skills. It has developed over millennia and is still developing in a living process, including knowledge acquired today and in the future, and it is passed on from generation to generation.

The Sámi Council encourages researchers to adapt methods, timing, and communication to local contexts — for instance, aligning schedules with reindeer herding seasons, supporting interpretation in Sámi languages, and building long-term trust. Knowledge that is place-based, such as sacred sites or foraging areas, must be handled sensitively and always under the control of local knowledge holders.

Nine Nordic-Canadian research projects were recently launched under the call Sustainable development in the Arctic, emphasising the importance of Indigenous perspectives and co-creation when doing research in the Arctic. The network Making knowledge for sustainable transformations (MAST) explores different approaches to knowing-through-making. These efforts are examples of a  wider shift in Arctic research: from studying Indigenous communities to working with them as equal partners, ensuring that research strengthens Indigenous cultures, languages, and self-determination while deepening our understanding of the Arctic as a shared home.

Questions for discussion include:
•    How can Indigenous and scientific knowledge systems work together to reframe conflicts over species, land, and resources?
•    Can we create models of co-research and co-governance that are both sustainable and just?
•    How can we ensure that the collaborations lead to knowledge sharing and mutual benefits instead of knowledge mining and extraction? 
•    What are the roles of the different stakeholders in such a knowledge exchange?
•    Whose knowledge counts when deciding the future of the Arctic?

This event is hosted by NordForsk and UiT- The Arctic University of Norway
 

Monday 02.02.26

Nordic Priorities in International Arctic Research Collaboration

Date: Monday, 02/02/2026
Time: 13:30 - 15:00
Location: Margarinfabrikken 2, the Edge

Arctic research is international by nature. The very fast Arctic changes, the geopolitical situation and the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY-5) requires collaboration across borders. The Nordic countries have a long tradition of collaborating in many areas. NordForsk provides funding and facilitates Nordic cooperation on research and research infrastructure, also included non-Nordic countries.   

All the Nordic countries are Arctic countries and have strategies and priorities for Arctic research. In the coming years, these priorities will be a basis for the countries’ involvement in IPY-5.  International collaboration will become even more important towards the next International Polar Year (IPY-5) 2032-2033 and it is vital to make the best use of national resources. That can include funding, infrastructure, observations and how to use and store long-term data.   

The Arctic is not uniform, but the Arctic Ocean and land masses should be managed holistically across many different management areas and beyond national borders. The resilience of the different geographical areas of the Arctic is a critical concern, encompassing the ability of its ecosystems and communities to adapt to and recover from rapid environmental, economic and social changes. Can its ecosystems withstand the accelerating pace of change? How well are Arctic societies and municipalities prepared for both current challenges and uncertain futures? 

These are not only environmental questions, but lie at the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy. Protecting the Arctic is not only about preserving biodiversity but also about defending a way of life that holds lessons for global sustainability. Therefore, Arctic resilience is both a regional necessity and a global concern. 

This session will explore how Nordic and international collaboration can add value to Arctic research. Presentations on national priorities in Arctic research from Nordic research councils and a panel debate on opportunities for future Nordic-led international research.

This event is hosted by the Research Council of Norway.

Monday 02.02.26

On Thin Ice: Overtourism, Ecosystems and Livelihoods in the Arctic

Date: Monday, 02/02/2026
Time: 15:30 - 17:00
Location: Importkompaniet, the Edge

Climate change and mass tourism threaten fragile ecosystems and Indigenous ways of life in the Arctic. Can legal frameworks help protect both nature and culture? We ask this question at our side event at Arctic Frontiers: Turn of the Tide 2026.

The Arctic is changing faster than almost anywhere else on the planet. Melting ice, shifting habitats, and increasing human pressure from mass tourism are reshaping landscapes that for centuries have sustained both wildlife and Indigenous communities. National Parks in the Arctic—long seen as sanctuaries of nature—are now at the frontlines of these pressures.

This seminar brings together researchers, practitioners, and community voices to explore what’s at stake and what solutions might be within reach.

Key questions:

How can law adapt quickly enough to address the accelerating impacts of climate change in the Arctic?

What role should legal frameworks play in balancing tourism growth with the protection of fragile ecosystems?

How can Indigenous rights and livelihoods be safeguarded when economic, cultural, and ecological pressures collide?

This event is hosted in collaboration with Fridtjof Nansen Institute and Nordregio.

The event will be streamed. The link to the livestream will be published here when it is available.

Wednesday 04.02.26

Looking Back, Moving Forward: 30 Years of Nordic Arctic Cooperation

Date: Monday, 04/02/2026
Time: 09:00 - 10:30
Location: Margarinfabrikken, the Edge

The year 2026 marks a milestone in Arctic and Nordic collaboration: 30 years since the Nordic Council of Ministers launched its first Arctic Cooperation Programme, designed to strengthen cross-border people-to-people cooperation in the Nordic Arctic. 

Looking back over three decades, the Arctic has emerged as a powerful example of international collaboration, where people, policymakers, researchers, Indigenous Peoples, and youth have worked together to foster mutual understanding and shared solutions across borders.

Today, this cooperation faces new challenges. Geopolitical tensions, accelerating climate change and shifting economic realities are testing the resilience of Arc-tic cooperation frameworks. Yet, these same pressures also open new opportunities for innovation, dialogue, and inclusive leadership.

Against this backdrop, the Nordic Council of Ministers invites participants to join a high-level discussion reflecting on three decades of Nordic Arctic cooperation, while looking ahead to the next 30 years of shared responsibility and opportunity in the region.

This side event is organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers.