”We want to have more members and publications in our scientific society”, the new Chair of Board
Meri Mononen-Matias tells when asked about the future of association.
Dutkansearvi is an important scientific source and the only scientific publication in Finland that also
publishes articles in Sámi. We particularly call on the researchers that write scientific articles about
Sámi and other Indigenous or Native Peoples to become members, write and suggest current
themes for our future publications.
Next year we attempt to inspire writers by inviting to our writing retreat in Inari from the 21st of
January to the 25 th of January 2025. We are also planning some hybrid events, in which the
publications are presented and discussed about.”, Mononen-Matias continues.
Meri Mononen-Matias’ own research is about the Indigenous peoples in Oaxaca, South-West
Mexico, their conflict with the state and about their basic education. Her research interest includes
also the Indigenous peoples and peace, particularly planetary peace.
This research perspective, that has not been noted adequately, was prominent in the Helsinki
University’s Educational Sciences Department’s peace education course in 2023-2024. The course
was built by Mononen-Matias among others and included training the participants. The course was
a supplementary training course for teachers of the basic education and one of the five modules
addressed the Indigenous peoples and peace.
”Peace means to some of the Indigenous peoples balance. Among others Tyuka and Bará people
of the Amazonas dedicate a lot of effort trying to reach and maintain the balance. Our distinguished
and versatile specialists in the course, the Dutkansearvi board member and emerita lecturer Irja
Seurujärvi-Kari and the Oulu University’s Giellagas Institute director Sigga-Marja Magga described
among other things the communality, multi-sensory observation and the nexus with the nature as a
part of being.
Remembering the course still inspires me. “, Mononen-Matias toteaa. ”I am proud and grateful for
this prestigious and important position for which I was chosen by the annual meeting of the
Dutkansearvi association on the 10 th of September, 2024.” , she continues.
Other members of the new board are Vice-Chairperson Marja-Liisa Olthuis, Jelena Porsanger,
Trond Trosterud, Irja Seurujärvi-Kari ja Pigga Keskitalo. Deputy Members are Kimberli Mäkäräinen,
Miika Lehtinen and Petter Morottaja.
The contact information of the board will be updated at https://www.dutkansearvi.fi/board-
members/
You can contact about ideas for articles the Chairperson Meri Mononen-Matias meri.mononen@helsinki.fi or other members of the board.
Author: Dutkansearvi Board Members