Foraging Eco-Ethology, Incentives and Motivations in the Kindergartens of Norway Based on Sámi and Norwegian Cultures

The study investigates the motivations and incentives behind foraging activities in Norwegian kindergartens, with special emphasis on differences and similarities between Sámi and Norwegian cultural perspectives. The purpose of the study is to understand how foraging, as an educational practice, can contribute to children’s learning about natural resources and sustainability. The research questions are: 1) What contributes to and motivates foraging activities in kindergartens? 2) How do Sámi and Norwegian cultures support and encourage foraging in kindergarten?

Three main topics were identified in the study: nature’s perspectives, the transfer and production of knowledge, and motivations and meaning behind foraging. Norwegian educators viewed nature as a place for exploration and resource gathering, while Sámi educators used nature for practical purposes in accordance with the eight Sámi seasons. With regard to transfer of knowledge, Norwegian educators gained new knowledge from external experts, while Sámi educators had a traditional transfer of knowledge between generations. Both groups wanted to teach the children where food comes from, but Sámi educators also focused on giving the children cultural education through practical activities in nature.

The data was collected through video documentation, group interviews, in-depth interviews, and field notes. The study was conducted in a medium-sized urban kindergarten in Northern Norway with 60 children and a staff consisting of nine kindergarten teachers and eleven assistants. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with four Sámi kindergarten teachers from different urban areas in Sápmi in Norway. These informants had different levels of experience, ranging from 6 to 26 years of work in Sámi kindergartens. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify topics related to foraging, transfer of knowledge and cultural perspectives on the use of nature.

Bergan, V., & Laiti, M. (2023). Foraging Eco-Ethology, Incentives and Motivations in the Kindergartens of Norway Based on Sámi and Norwegian Cultures. Genealogy, 7(57).