Kulturell bærekraft – praksiser i samiske barnehager

The study investigates how the values found in Sámi kindergartens can be linked to the concept of cultural sustainability. The research question is: In what way can the pedagogical practices and foundational values in a sample of Sámi kindergartens be connected to the concept of cultural sustainability?

The study shows how Sámi kindergartens help to highlight Sámi culture through practical actions and mythical narratives. The results show three main findings: 1) the importance of traditional knowledge and generational transfer, 2) the management of natural resources, and 3) the use of ritual and cultural practices as part of the educational work in kindergarten. The kindergartens also highlighted that cultural sustainability is important for the children’s identity development as bearers of Sámi culture.

The study is based on interviews with employees from seven Sámi kindergartens in both urban and rural areas in Norway. Five of the interviews were individual, and two of the interviews were conducted as group interviews. A semi-structured interview guide focused on health promotion and psychosocial environment was used. The researchers made audio recordings of the interviews, which were then transcribed and analysed using a step-by-step deductive-inductive method. This was done to identify patterns, concepts and theories.

Åmot, I., & Bjerklund, M. (2023). Kulturell bærekraft – praksiser i samiske barnehager. Nordisk barnehageforskning, 20(3), 24–44.