Two important Snowchange-related reports and science released today – the Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Report on Waters and Haida Research Framework for learning X̱aad Kíl.
Today in Inari Snowchange is involved in the release of the Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Report on Waters. In summary this Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission article reviews the status and trends of lake Inari and rivers Paatsjoki and Näätämö as central Sámi biocultural water ecosystems. It mainly focuses on the past 15 years (2009–2025) given the drivers of change in climate, water quality, land use, Sámi rights, water regulation and invasive species. Article summarizes a suite of scientific articles and Indigenous Sámi knowledge and experiences of the three basins. Näätämö River is the most natural out of the three and lake Inari and Paatsjoki have been regulated since 1940s.
Contemporary challenges include for example expanding tourism, natural resources extraction and the geopolitical situation of the 2020s. Invasive and introduced species include for example pink salmon, vendace, lake trout and mink. Despite the range of impacts to these waters we need to appreciate them also as examples of outstanding basins in European context. Therefore responses and corrective measures are proposed – these include for example seeking a UNESCO World Heritage status for these waters – working title ”Unique Freshwaters of Sápmi”, establishment of a new umbrella organization Sámi Water Forum, restoration of catchments and river flows where applicable, enhanced waste and plastics residue collection, further monitoring of microplastics, removal of smaller hydrodams and creation of free passage for migratory and salmonid species.
Several initiatives to support Sámi language, culture and rights associated with waters are proposed. Lastly the article underscores the role of natural springs, often overlooked but culturally important waters that should be fully protected from all industrial land use. The report is available here (in Finnish).
In Vancouver, Haida Research Framework for learning X̱aad Kí, i.e. the Ph D of Haida leader Jasḵwaan A. Bedard has been released. She is one of the co-founders of Snowchange and summarizes: “X̱aad Kíhlga tl’a gúusuugiigangsaang research project aims to support and enhance Haida community experiences learning, teaching, and speaking Xaad Kil (Massett dialect of the Haida language) by finding creative and caring solutions to unique challenges conducting Haida language learning programs. While the direct translation for X̱aad Kíhlga tl’a gúusuugiigangsaang means “The Haida Language will be spoken for all time” and serves as a foundational philosophy for this project, I’ve used “A Haida Research Framework for Learning X̱aad Kíl” to describe the project outcome.
This research requires prioritizing Haida worldview, laws, and protocols while structuring Haida language learning and teaching to meet the needs of learners and community. In designing and adopting a Haida specific approach to Indigenous research methodology, the Haida laws of yahgudang respect, tla yahdah to make things right, ahl kyáanaang tláagang to ask first and gin ‘wáadluwaan gud ahl kwáagiidang everything is connected to everything else frame this project. These Haida laws shape and guide the pathway to X̱aad Kíl learning that responds to the specific community needs of Gaw Tlagée Old Massett, Haida Gwaii. Using a collaborative and qualitative approach to research and research analysis, X̱aad Kíhlga tl’a gúusuugiigangsaang includes autobiographical analysis, community interviews of X̱aad Kíl students, teachers, Knowledge Holders, and Birth Speakers, as well as the voices of íitl’ kuniisii our Ancestors, who left their knowledge within various research mediums conducted about the Haida language and worldview over the years. “A Haida Research Framework for Learning X̱aad Kíl” creates a pathway for X̱aad Kíl learning and can be helpful to other Indigenous language communities that have unique and specialized language situations.”
The research is available here.