The UArctic EALÁT Institute focuses on knowledge production related to reindeer herders’ traditional knowledge, land use change and their food cultures, through increased information, documentation, research, monitoring and education as an adaption strategy to the rapid changes occurring in the Arctic.
Close to 100 000 herders and 24 different indigenous peoples live off reindeer herding worldwide, and reindeer are significantly important for the economy and sustainability of these Arctic indigenous communities. With reindeer herding we mean the economic foundation for reindeer herders societies. The institute is one of three institutes of University of the Arctic reporting directly to the board of UArctic.
The Institute aims at a continued contribution to a holistic strengthening of knowledge development, research, education, monitoring, information and outreach for circumpolar reindeer husbandry. The Institute has a circumpolar focus, and work for the benefit of circumpolar reindeer herders.
The Institute serves as a tool for recruiting indigenous youth to scientific work, while contributing to build local competence in reindeer herders’ societies, through mobilizing different partners. In doing so, the institute seeks to develop and implement:
